Battle of Lauffeld

The battles of Lauffeld (or battles of Lafelt or battles of Maastricht, also battles of Valley) takes place with Lauffeld (or Lafelt, left Riemst now, just in the west of Maastricht), the July 2nd 1747, during the French invasion of the Austrian Netherlands (part of the War of succession of Austria). The marshal of Saxony carries out the French Army against the combined forces of the Écossais guards under the banner of the duke of Cumberland, and of the United Provinces, combatant under the orders of the prince d' Orange.

Be a prelude to

Cumberland tries to destroy a detachment of the French Army ordered by Gaspard of Clermont-Thunder, but a forced march of Maurice of Saxony thwarts his operation. It is now vis-a-vis the very whole French Army. The general Ligonier him council to occupy and strengthen the villages on a line of defense, to face the allied projection, but he is unaware of this council compromising his chances of success thus.

The battle

Again, as with the Bataille of Rocourt the Austrians of the right wing refuse to place themselves against the open French side. The villages change hands several times until Maurice of Saxony takes the top. The Netherlanders beat a retreat in front of the advance of the French who now threaten to destroy the British infantry. Ligonier carries out a load of cavalry which saves the allied army, but it is captured.

Assessment

Celebrated by the French, the victory is however not decisive. The allied army is not completely demolished and reprocesses in good order, leaving the battle field to the French, but in the immediate future preventing them from capturing Maastricht. Maurice of Saxony sends 30.000 men to take the city Bergen-COp-Zoom to conclude this year from countryside.

With the opening of the countryside of 1748, the French invest Maastricht and after a brief seat, the city falls the May 7th. This catch is determining in the peace process begun in April. The war finishes in October with the Traité of Aachen.

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