Battle of Montebello (1859)

The Battle of Montebello occurred on 20 May 1859 at Montebello della Battaglia in Lombardy. It was the first major engagement of the Second Italian War of Independence, involving Austrian troops under Field Marshal Philipp von Stadion und Thannhausen against French infantry led by General Élie Frédéric Forey and Piedmontese cavalry commanded by General Maurizio Gerbaix de Sonnaz.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The conflict was part of the Second Italian War of Independence. The engagement at Montebello involved Austrian forces commanded by Field Marshal Philipp von Stadion und Thannhausen. Opposing them were French infantry headed by General Élie Frédéric Forey, accompanied by three Piedmontese cavalry regiments under General Maurizio Gerbaix de Sonnaz. This battle marked the first major engagement of the war.

Commanders. Field Marshal Philipp von Stadion und Thannhausen commanded the Austrian army corps. General Élie Frédéric Forey led the French infantry division. General Maurizio Gerbaix de Sonnaz commanded the three Piedmontese cavalry regiments that accompanied Forey's division. The battle took place at Montebello, now known as Montebello della Battaglia, in Lombardy.

Engagement. Forey's division engaged Stadion's army corps at Montebello. The battle was fought between Austrian troops and the combined French-Piedmontese forces. It is recognized as the first major engagement of the Second Italian War of Independence. The location is specified as Montebello della Battaglia in Lombardy, northern Italy.

People involved

Sources

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