Marengo 1800,
Napoleon's Day of Fate by David Hollins
Having returned from Egypt and seized power
as First Consul, Napoleon led the Army of the Reserve over the Alps
against the Austrian Army besieging Genoa. After a period of skirmishing
and manoeuvering, Melas, the Austrian commander, launched a surprise
attack on the morning of 14 June, having deceived Napoleon as to his
intentions through the use of a double agent. The attack initially drove
the French back to Marengo village and, despite committing the Consular
Guard, by 3pm the French were retreating. Believing he had won, the
wounded Melas left the field to his Chief of Staff, Zach. The timely
arrival of Desaix's Division led by Kellerman's cavalry and the 9e
Légère threw the pursuing Austrians into confusion and turned the battle
in Napoleon's favour, thus securing his position as First Consul. It could
have been very different.
Post: UK- £2.50 (max post for multiple books
£5.00).
For Europe £3.00 (each plus one charge of £3.00 recorded fee per
total shipment)
Rest of World £6.00 (each plus one charge of £3.00 recorded fee
per total shipment)
