A French victory in the War of the Second Coalition that inflicted disproportionate Austrian casualties in southern Switzerland.
Key Facts
- Date
- 13–14 August 1799
- Total forces engaged (per side)
- ~6,000 men
- French casualties
- 500 killed, wounded, or missing
- Austrian casualties
- 3,000 men and two guns lost
- Location
- Oberwald, Canton Valais, at source of Rhône
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the War of the Second Coalition, French and Austrian forces contested control of the Alpine passes in southern Switzerland. Elements of Prince Rohan's Austrian corps operated in the Valais region near the strategically important Grimsel and Furka passes, bringing them into direct conflict with French forces under General Jean Victor Tharreau.
On 13–14 August 1799, French forces commanded by General of Division Jean Victor Tharreau engaged Austrian forces of Prince Rohan's corps, led by Colonel Gottfried von Strauch, near the village of Oberwald in Canton Valais. Each side committed approximately 6,000 men. The battle resulted in 500 French casualties against a far heavier Austrian loss of 3,000 men and two artillery pieces.
The Austrian forces suffered casualties roughly six times greater than the French, representing a significant tactical defeat for Rohan's corps in the Alpine theater. This outcome affected Austrian control of the southern Swiss passes and contributed to the broader French effort to maintain their position in Switzerland during the War of the Second Coalition.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Jean Victor Tharreau.
Side B
1 belligerent
Prince Rohan, Colonel Gottfried von Strauch.