Book 141

Blenheim 1704

by John Tincey and Graham Tumer

Published 30 July 2004
In 1701, the nations resisting Louis XIV's attempts to secure the throne of Spain had formed a Grand Alliance. Yet by late 1703, despite some successes, the overall outlook was unfavourable. Marlborough and Eugene of Savoy developed a plan to change this and knock Bavaria out of the war. On 13 August 1704 at Blenheim, Marlborough and Eugene attacked the Franco-Bavarian army. Marlborough captured Marshal Tallard, 40 generals, 1,150 officers, 13,000 soldiers, 60 cannon, 300 colours and the French camp, hence destroying the myth of French invincibility. This book demonstrates how this success came about, with illustrated analyses of this major campaign, focusing on battle strategies, tactics and conclusions.