098. The Battle of Marengo - WDS Campaign Marengo

14 June 1800 - Historical - Intended to be played Head to Head - The Battle of Marengo was Bonaparte's greatest victory prior to Austerlitz. The timely arrival of Desaix late in the afternoon saved the French army from a crushing defeat. The setting: Melas had been outflanked by Bonaparte and had to defeat the French in battle and breakout to Tortona to regain his lines of communication. He devised a plan whereby the Austrian army would cross the Bormida River and attack the French forces near Marengo and then continue on to Tortona and beyond. The morning attacks began with O'Reilly crossing the river and advancing on the Pedrabona farm. The French skirmishers were quickly routed out of their positions and the brigade fell back on Marengo. The Austrians continued crossing the bridge and made three assaults on the town of Marengo. Finally they broke through and were able to press the French back to the east. The French were able to build a line near C.Grossa and finally Desaix arrived. Never losing hope, Bonaparte ordered Desaix and Kellerman to counterattack and the Austrians were forced back into Alessandria. Melas had lost his bid to breakthrough to the east and he sued for peace shortly thereafter. Napoleon had won one of his greatest victories.