Campaign Move 40 – Bad News from Lonato

Move 40 – 1600 8 September 1796

As Bonaparte prepares to attack the Austrian relief column he receives alarming reports from Lonato.   The battle is going badly for the French and Argereau warns that he and Serurier will have to retreat towards Brescia.

Bonaparte orders 3^rd and 6^th divisions to hold their ground and prevent the relief column from reaching Mantua, but not to engage in battle   He rides north to determine for himself just how bad things are at Lonato

Campaign Move 39 – Austians attack Lonato

Move 39 – 1200 8 September 1796

Wurmster has ordered his 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th divisions to cross the river Minico and attack 4^th and 5^th French divisions at Lonato. 

3^rd Austrian division has reached the river Minicio opposite.

Bonaparte is approaching Mantua with 3^rd division.  He orders 6^th divison to prepare to attack Mantua before 3^rd Austrian division can resupply the city.

Meanwhile 4^th and 5^th French divisions must hold Lonato against the three Austrian divisions of Wurmster.

Campaign Move 38 – Austians deployed opposite Lonato

Move 38 – 2000 7 September 1796

Wurmster has completed his deployment along the river Minicio opposite Lonato.  He is ready to attack at first light with his 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th divisions.

3^rd Austrian division has reached Castellard on its way to raise the siege of Mantua

Bonaparte is also approaching Mantua with 3^rd division.   He plans to defeat 3^rd Austrian division before they can reach the city, and then march north to cut Wurmster’s lines of supply.

Meanwhile 4^th and 5^th French divisions must hold Lonato against the three Austrian divisions of Wurmster.

Campaign Move 37 – Austrians deploy along east bank of river Minicio

Move 37 – 1600 7 September 1796

Wurmster starts to deploy along the eastern bank of the river Minicio opposite Lonato.   1^st division moves south followed by 2^nd and 4^th divisions

3^rd Austrian division had passed through Villagranca on its way to raise the siege of Mantua

Bonaparte passes through Castiglione with 3^rd division on his way to Mantua

4^th and 5^th French divisions resupply and prepare their defence positions at Lonato