Key Facts
- Date
- 16 June 1794
- French crossing attempt number
- 4th of 5 attempts to cross the Sambre
- Siege involved
- Second French siege of Charleroi
- Distance from Charleroi
- ~10 km northeast of Charleroi
Strategic Narrative Overview
Having crossed the Sambre for the fourth time, the French laid siege to Charleroi again. On 16 June 1794, the allied army under William VI, Hereditary Prince of Orange, launched a counter-attack against the besieging French forces. The Coalition assault broke through the French right flank, disrupting Jourdan's positions and forcing the French to abandon the siege and retreat south of the Sambre.
01 / The Origins
The Battle of Lambusart arose from the French Republic's repeated efforts during the War of the First Coalition to push north across the Sambre River and besiege Charleroi. Three earlier attempts in spring 1794 were repelled by allied Dutch and Habsburg Austrian forces. France reinforced its armies with four divisions from the Army of the Moselle under General Jourdan on 4 June, who assumed overall command and led a fourth crossing on 12 June.
03 / The Outcome
The French withdrawal south of the Sambre marked the failure of the fourth crossing attempt. Jourdan was compelled to lift the siege of Charleroi and consolidate his forces. The Coalition temporarily retained control of the northern bank, though a fifth and ultimately successful French attempt followed shortly after, culminating in the decisive French victory at the Battle of Fleurus on 26 June 1794.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Jean Baptiste Jourdan.
Side B
2 belligerents
William VI, Hereditary Prince of Orange.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.