An Austrian assault on entrenched Franco-Sardinian lines near Parma was repulsed, influencing the course of the War of the Polish Succession in Italy.
Key Facts
- Date
- 29 June 1734
- Conflict
- War of the Polish Succession
- Austrian commander killed
- Florimund Mercy
- Austrian 2nd commander wounded
- Frederick of Württemberg
- Battle duration
- Most of the day
- Location
- Between La Crocetta and Parma, Duchy of Parma
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The War of the Polish Succession drew major European powers into conflict across multiple theaters. In northern Italy, French and Sardinian forces established entrenched defensive positions near the city of Parma, prompting Austrian Habsburg forces to mount an offensive assault in an effort to dislodge them and assert control over the Duchy of Parma.
On 29 June 1734, Austrian troops launched a frontal assault against the fortified Franco-Sardinian positions between the village of La Crocetta and Parma. The fighting lasted most of the day and was costly for both sides. The death of Austrian commander Florimund Mercy and the wounding of his second-in-command Frederick of Württemberg severely disrupted Austrian command, contributing to the eventual repulse of the attack.
The failure of the Austrian assault at San Pietro left the Franco-Sardinian forces in a stronger position in northern Italy. The loss of Mercy, a capable and experienced commander, was a significant blow to Habsburg operations in the Italian theater of the War of the Polish Succession, compounding Austrian difficulties in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent
Florimund Mercy, Frederick of Württemberg.