Marengo 1800

Osprey's study of the campaign at Marengo in 1800 during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). Having returned from Egypt and seized power as First Consul, Napoleon led the Army of the Reserve against the Austrian Army besieging Genoa. After a period of skirmishing and manoeuvring, Melas, the Austrian commander, launched a surprise attack on the morning of 14 June. The attack initially drove the French back to Marengo village and, despite committing the Consular Guard, by 3pm the French were retreating. Believing he had won, the wounded Melas left the field to his Chief-of-Staff, Zach. The timely arrival of Desaix's Division led by Kellerman's cavalry and the 9e Légère threw the Austrians into confusion, turned the battle in Napoleon's favour, thus securing his position as First Consul. It could have been very different.

Having returned from Egypt and seized power as First Consul, Napoleon led the Army of the Reserve over the Alps against the Austrian Army besieging Genoa. When the Austrian commander, Melas, drove the French back to the village of Marengo and from there into retreat, he left the field believing himself victorious. However, the arrival of Desaix's Division led by Kellermans's cavalry threw the Austrians into confusion, turning the battle in Napoleon's favour and leaving him secure in his position of First Consul.

David Hollins was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1962. After graduating from University College London, he trained as a maritime solicitor and began his career in commercial shipping. He is a frequent contributor to specialist Napoleonic magazines and has written a number of books related to the Imperial Army and Archduke Charles. His previous work for Osprey includes MAA 299 Austrian Auxiliary Troops 1792-1816, and Warrior 24 Austrian Grenadiers and Infantry 1788-1816.