An Anglo-Russian victory at Alkmaar forced French-Batavian forces into strategic withdrawal during the 1799 invasion of Holland.
Key Facts
- Date
- 2 October 1799
- Campaign
- Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland
- Also known as
- Second Battle of Bergen / Battle of Egmond-aan-Zee
- Withdrawal line
- Monnickendam (East) to Castricum (West)
- Next engagement
- Final campaign battle, 6 October 1799
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland in 1799, coalition forces from Britain and Russia sought to expel French Republican and Batavian Republic troops from the region. The campaign had already seen earlier engagements near Bergen, with both sides maneuvering for control of northern Holland.
On 2 October 1799, near Alkmaar, Anglo-Russian forces commanded by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany clashed with French-Batavian troops under General Guillaume Marie Anne Brune. The battle resulted in a clear Anglo-Russian victory, with the Duke of York praising Russian commanders and conveying congratulations to Emperor Paul I.
Following the defeat, Brune ordered a strategic withdrawal to a defensive line stretching from Monnickendam in the east to Castricum in the west. This set the stage for the final engagement of the campaign on 6 October 1799, which would determine the ultimate outcome of the Anglo-Russian invasion.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany.
Side B
2 belligerents
Guillaume Marie Anne Brune.