Battle of Cassano (1705)

The Battle of Cassano, fought on 16 August 1705, was a battle in the Italian theatre of the War of the Spanish Succession. Both sides suffered serious casualties, but the French were victorious.

The battle
In 1705, Vendôme's army and a fresh corps from France were engaged in the attempt to subdue Victor Amadeus. Vendôme's success led to Amadeus asking the Emperor for a new army. Eugene of Savoy commanded this army, opposed to which was a force under Vendôme's brother Philippe, called the Grand Prior. At the start of the battle Philippe was surprised by Eugene's fierce attack on the line of the Adda. Eugene nearly crossed the river until the arrival of Vendôme, which prevented him from crossing.

Aftermath
Eugene of Savoy was wounded during the battle and left Italy for treatment in Austria. Dessau was also wounded and his Prussian contingent was decimated. The Austrian army had finally to retire towards Tyrol for the winter.

Eugene's activity had greatly relieved the pressure on Piedmont, enabled Turin to hold out and kept the half-hearted Duke of Savoy true to his new alliance. The French put off the subjugation of Piedmont until the following year, on Louis's orders.

The battle had taken a large toll on both sides. It is estimated that on both sides, 4000 men were killed,6000 were wounded and an unknown amount drowned in the river.