Battle of Fougères explained

Conflict:Battle of Fougères
Partof:the War in the Vendée
Date:3 November 1793
Place:Fougères
Result:Vendéen victory
Combatant1: French Republic
Combatant2: Vendeans
Strength1:6,000 men
Strength2:30,000 men
50 cannons
Casualties1:200–600 killed
400–800 captured
Casualties2:Unknown
Commander1:Adjudant général Brière
Commander2:Henri de La Rochejaquelein

See main article: Virée de Galerne. The battle of Fougères took place on 3 November 1793 at Fougères, during the Virée de Galerne. It was a Vendéen victory.

The Vendéens (on their way from taking Mayenne) decided to march on Saint-Malo to make contact with the British and, recently joined by the Chouans, marched on Fougères on the way. Realising the danger, the Republicans prepared to defend the city and castle, with adjudant général Brière gathering 6,000 National Guards and soldiers from line regiments and inspecting the castle's defences. Many administrators chose to leave the city and flee towards Rennes, with some exceptions staying put, such as mayor Lesueur.

Course

The Vendéens launched an assault on Fougères, resulting in a decisive victory against the poorly commanded Republican forces. Despite being outnumbered, the Vendéens managed to inflict significant casualties on their opponents, who left behind hundreds of dead and captured soldiers. Following their victory, the Vendéens occupied Fougères for five days, utilizing this time to gather supplies and recruit local supporters. During this period, they received two emissaries from the British government who encouraged them to abandon their plans for Rennes and adhere to a strategy aligned with British interests.

On November 8, after consolidating their position, the Vendéens resumed their march towards Dol-de-Bretagne, still uncertain whether to attack Saint-Malo or Granville. However, following a brief reoccupation of Fougères in mid-November, Republican forces regained control of the city on November 18.

Bibliography

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