Siege of Ostend (1706) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Ostend
Part of War of the Spanish Succession
Date 15 June – 7 July 1706 Location Ostend, Spanish Netherlands Result Allied victory
Belligerents
Grand Alliance  Dutch Republic  England  Scotland	France
Commanders and leaders
Lord Overkirk François Nicolas Fagel Duke of Argyle	Count de la Mothe
Casualties and losses
1,050 killed or wounded

The Siege of Ostend was an important event during the War of the Spanish Succession. This war was a big conflict in Europe that lasted from 1701 to 1714. It was fought to decide who would be the next king of Spain.

In May 1706, the Allied forces won a major battle against the French at Ramillies. After this victory, many towns in the Spanish Netherlands quickly gave up to the Duke of Marlborough's army. But Ostend, a port city on the North Sea coast, decided to fight back.

What Happened at Ostend?

The Duke of Marlborough wanted to keep the pressure on the French army. So, he sent Dutch and British troops to attack Ostend. These troops were led by Lord Overkirk.

Marlborough also set up his main army nearby in Roeselare. This army acted as a "covering force." Its job was to protect the soldiers attacking Ostend from any French attacks. The French army had gathered again in Courtrai to the south.

Naval Support and the Attack

The attack on Ostend also had help from the sea. A Royal Navy fleet, led by Sir Stafford Fairborne, supported the siege. Fairborne used special ships called bomb ketches. These ships could fire bombs into the town. The bombs caused fires inside Ostend.

After about three weeks of fighting, the city of Ostend finally gave up. This was a big win for the Allied forces.

After the Siege

After Ostend fell, the Duke of Marlborough was offered a very important job. He was asked to become the Governor General of the Spanish Netherlands. This would have made him the main ruler of the area.

However, Marlborough had to say no to this offer. He was worried that accepting it would upset his Dutch allies. It was important to keep the alliance strong.

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Sitio de Ostende (1706) para niños