Part 30

Fought September 29, 1848, between the Hungarians, under General Móga, and the Croats, under the Ban, Jellachich. The battle was indecisive, and was followed by a three days’ armistice.

Velestinos (Greco-Turkish War).

Fought May 5, 1897, between a Turkish division under Hakki Pasha, and the Greeks, 9,000, under Colonel Smolenski. The Greeks occupied a strong position at Velestinos, where they were attacked by the Turks, but held their own throughout the day. After nightfall, however his line of retreat being threatened, Colonel Smolenski withdrew to Volo, where he embarked his troops on the 7th.

Velletri (Italian Rising of 1848).

Fought May 19, 1849, between 10,000 Garibaldians, under Roselli, and the Neapolitans, 10,000 strong, under Ferdinand, King of Naples. The advance guard, under Garibaldi, attacked the town of Velletri, which made a poor defence, and was evacuated during the night. The losses of the Garibaldians were small.

Vercellæ (Cimbric War).

Fought July 30, 101 B.C., between 50,000 Romans, under Marius, and the Cimbri, under Boiorix. The Cimbri were almost annihilated, and their king slain.

Verneuil (Hundred Years’ War).

Fought August 18, 1424, between 3,000 English, under the Duke of Bedford, and 18,000 French and Scots, under the Constable Buchan and the Earl of Douglas. The men-at-arms on both sides fought dismounted, but the French could make no impression upon the English archers, who were protected by a barricade of stakes, and in the end were utterly routed, leaving over 4,000 dead on the field, among them Buchan and Douglas. The Duc d’Alencon was taken prisoner.

Verona (Revolt of Maxentius).

This place was besieged 312 by Constantine, with the legions of Gaul, and was defended by a body of rebels, under Pompeianus. After a sortie had been repulsed, Pompeianus escaped through Constantine’s lines, and raised a force for the relief of the city. He was, however, met and defeated by Constantine, many thousands of the Italians, including their leader, falling, and Verona at once surrendered.

Veseris (Latin War).

Fought near Mount Vesuvius, B.C. 339, between the Romans, under Manlius Torquatus and Decius Mus, and the Latin army. The Roman left was repulsed, but Decius Mus, sacrificing himself for the army, sprang into the midst of the enemy and was slain, and his soldiers following him, renewed the conflict. Manlius now brought up his veteran reserve, and the Romans breaking the Latin line, slew or captured nearly three-fourths of their opponents. The Roman loss, however, was so heavy, that they were unable to pursue.

Viborg.

Fought 1157, between the adherents of Sweyn III of Denmark, and those of his successor Waldemar. Sweyn was totally defeated and fled, but falling into a morass in his flight was overtaken and slain.

Vicksburg (American Civil War).

This city, held by a Confederate garrison, was invested June 24, 1862, by a fleet of 13 Federal gunboats, under Admiral Farragut, aided by a land force of 4,000 men, under General Williams. After a bombardment which made no impression on the defences, Farragut reimbarked the troops, and withdrew, July 24. In the course of the siege Captain Brown with the _Arkansas_, a small river steamer, coated with iron, and carrying eight guns, attacked the Federal flotilla, which mounted 200 guns, and ran the gauntlet successfully, losing 14 men killed and wounded. The Federals lost 82.

On January 9, 1863, the city was again invested by two Federal corps, under General M’Clernand, aided by a flotilla of gunboats, under Admiral Porter. It was defended by a garrison of 3,000 Confederates, under General Churchill. On the 11th an attack by the combined forces overpowered the garrison of the fort, but the town defences still held out, and the siege was not pressed. On May 18, the siege was renewed by three army corps of General Grant’s army, the garrison being now commanded by General Pemberton. On the 22nd an unsuccessful assault cost the Federals 2,500, and a regular siege commenced, with the result that on July 4, Pemberton surrendered with 25,000 men and 90 guns.

Vienna (Ottoman Wars).

This city, held by a garrison of 16,000 men, under Count de Salm, was besieged by Solyman the Magnificent, at the head of 120,000 Turks, in September, 1529. From the 27th of that month till October 14, the garrison withstood a series of assaults, culminating in an attempt to storm the breach, which were repulsed with heavy loss. Solyman thereupon raised the siege and withdrew.

Vienna (Ottoman Wars).

Fought September 12, 1683, between 300,000 Turks, under Kara Mustapha Pasha, and 70,000 Christians, under John Sobieski. The Turks were besieging Vienna, and Sobieski marched to its relief, with 30,000, bringing up the available forces to 70,000, of which he was given the command. With this army he attacked the Turkish lines, and after a sanguinary engagement, lasting throughout the day, routed the Turks with enormous loss. Six Pashas were killed, and Mustapha only escaped capture by a precipitate flight.

Vigo Bay (War of the Spanish Succession).

Fought October 12, 1702, when the combined fleet of 30 British and 20 Dutch ships, under Sir George Rooke, forced the boom at the entrance to Vigo Harbour and destroyed the French and Spanish fleet anchored therein. Of the men-of-war, 11 were burnt and 10 captured, while 11 Spanish galleons, with treasure, were taken. This action is generally called the affair of the Spanish Galleons.

Villach (Ottoman Wars).

Fought 1492, between the Turks, under Ali Pasha, and a Christian army, under Rudolph de Khevenhuller. During the battle 15,000 Christian prisoners in the Turkish camp broke out, and fell upon the rear of the Turks, who were in consequence totally defeated. The Christians lost 7,000 killed, the Turks 10,000 killed and 7,000 prisoners, including Ali.

Villa Viciosa (War of the Spanish Succession).

Fought December 10, 1710, when 13,000 Imperialists, under Staremberg, retreating into Catalonia, after the defeat of Stanhope at Brihnega, were attacked by 20,000 French, under Philip of Anjou and Marshal Vendôme. Staremberg’s left wing was cut to pieces, but his right and centre more than held their own, driving back the French with considerable loss, and capturing some guns. Staremberg was, however, too weak to take advantage of this partial success, and continued his retreat after the action.

Villeta (Paraguayan War).

Fought December 11, 1868, between the Paraguayans, under Lopez, and the armies of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Overwhelmed by vastly superior numbers, Lopez was forced to withdraw his forces to the entrenched camp at Angostura.

Villiers (Franco-German War).

A determined sortie from Paris, under General Ducrot, on November 30, 1870, directed against the Wurtembergers. The operations lasted till December 3. The French, who had at first gained some successes, were finally repulsed, with a loss of 424 officers and 9,053 men. The Germans lost 156 officers and 3,373 men.

Vindalium.

Fought B.C. 121, between the Romans, under Q. Fabius Maximus, and the Arverni. The Arverni were completely defeated, and compelled to sue for peace.

Vinegar Hill (Irish Rebellion).

Fought June 20, 1798, when the British regulars, under General Lake, attacked the camp of the Irish rebels, 16,000 strong, under Father Murphy. Little resistance was made, and the rebels were driven out of their camp with a loss of 4,000 killed and wounded, and 13 guns.

Vimiera (Peninsular War).

Fought August 21, 1808, between 18,000 British and Portuguese, under Sir Arthur Wellesley, and 14,000 French, under Junot. The French were signally defeated, losing 2,000 men and 13 guns, but the victory was not followed up by Sir Harry Burrard, who was in supreme command, and the French were allowed to evacuate Portugal unmolested, under the Convention of Cintra. The British lost 720 killed and wounded.

Viney.

Fought 717, between the Austrasians, under Charles Martel and the Neustrians, under Chilperic II. The Neustrians were defeated.

Vionville.

_See_ Mars La Tour.

Vittoria (Peninsular War).

Fought June 21, 1813, between 80,000 British, Portuguese and Spanish troops, under Wellington, and about 70,000 French, under Joseph Buonaparte. After severe fighting the French were defeated at all points and made a somewhat disorderly retreat, losing 6,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners, 143 guns, and almost all their baggage and treasure. The allies lost 5,000. This battle finally closed the era of French domination in Spain, and opened to Wellington the road to the Pyrenees.

Vögelinseck (Appenzel Rebellion).

Fought May 15, 1402, between 5,000 troops, of the Swiss Imperial towns, and 900 rebels of Appenzel and Schwyz. After a brief engagement, the rebels were driven from the field, with a loss of 250 men.

Volconda.

Fought April, 1751, between Mohammed Ali’s army, 5,600 strong, under Abdul Wahab Khan, aided by 1,600 British, under Captain Gingen, and Chunda Sahib’s troops, 17,000 strong, together with a battalion of Frenchmen. Captain Gingen, though greatly outnumbered, insisted on attacking, but was repulsed, his Europeans not showing their usual steadiness, and forced to retreat with considerable loss.

Volturno (Unification of Italy).

Fought October 1, 1860, between 20,000 Italians, under Garibaldi, and 40,000 Neapolitans, under Afan de Riva. Garibaldi’s position in front of Capua was attacked by the Neapolitans, who, after hard fighting, were repulsed all along the line, with heavy loss. The Garibaldian casualties were 2,023 killed and wounded. The Neapolitans lost 2,070 prisoners, but their losses in killed and wounded are unknown. In consequence of this victory, Garibaldi almost immediately captured Capua.

Vouillé.

Fought 507, between the Franks, under Clovis, and the Visigoths, under Alaric II. Alaric was endeavouring to effect a junction with Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, when he was attacked by Clovis, and totally defeated. Alaric fell in the battle.

W

Wagram (Campaign of Wagram).

Fought July 6, 1809, between 150,000 French, under Napoleon, and 140,000 Austrians, under the Archduke Charles. Napoleon crossed the lesser arm of the Danube from the Island of Lobau, on the night of the 4th and 5th July, and driving the Austrian advanced posts before him, prepared to attack their main position. An attack upon them on the evening of the 5th was repulsed. On the 6th the Austrians attacked the French right, under Davoust, but were unsuccessful; later, however, the French centre and left were compelled to give ground, but Napoleon bringing up the artillery of the Guard and Macdonald’s corps, checked the Austrian advance, while Davoust carried the heights on the Austrian left, outflanking them, and rendering their position untenable. By three o’clock they were in full retreat, having lost about 24,000 killed and wounded, 9,000 prisoners, including 12 generals, and 20 guns. The French lost 18,000 killed and wounded.

Waizan (Hungarian Rising).

Fought April 10, 1849, between the 3rd Hungarian corps, under Damjanics, about 7,000 strong, and two Austrian brigades, under Götz and Jablonowski. Damjanics attacked the Austrians and drove them out of Waizan with heavy loss, among those who fell being General Götz.

Wakamatsu (Japanese Revolution).

The last stand of the Shogun’s followers was made at the Castle of Wakamatsu, which was stormed by the Imperialists, September 22, 1868, The resistance to the new régime was thus completely broken.

Wakefield (Wars of the Roses).

Fought December 30, 1460, between the Lancastrians, under Somerset, and the Yorkists, under Richard, Duke of York. The Lancastrians advanced from Pontefract and offered battle to Richard, who, though weakened by the absence of foraging parties, accepted the challenge. Somerset prepared an ambush, into which the Duke fell as he marched out of Wakefield, and the Yorkists were defeated with heavy loss. The Duke and many other nobles were killed, and Salisbury captured and beheaded.

Waltersdorf (Campaign of Friedland).

Fought February 5, 1807, between the French, under Ney, and the Prussian corps of Lestocq. The Prussians were defeated with a loss of about 3,000 killed, wounded and missing.

Wandewash (Seven Years’ War).

Fought January 22, 1760, between the British, with 1,900 European and 3,350 native troops, under Colonel Coote, and the French, 2,250 Europeans and 1,300 natives, under Lally-Tollendal. The French army was accompanied by 3,000 Mahratta horse, who took no part in the action. After severe fighting Lally was defeated, with a loss of 600 Europeans, besides natives, the British losing 190 only.

Wandewash (First Mysore War).

This fort, defended by a small native garrison, under Lieutenant Flint, who had only one other European with him, was besieged, December, 1780, by the Mysoris, under Hyder Ali. Flint held out with the utmost gallantry till January 22, 1781, when the approach of Sir Eyre Coote forced Hyder Ali to raise the siege. The garrison had then only one day’s ammunition left.

Warburg (Seven Years’ War).

Fought July 31, 1759, between the French, 35,000 strong, under the Chevalier de May, and a largely superior force of Prussians and British, under Prince Ferdinand. The French were in danger of their flanks being turned, and after a brief engagement, retired, having lost 1,500 killed and wounded and 1,500 prisoners.

Warsaw (Second Polish Rising).

This city, which was held by a garrison of 30,000 Poles, under General Dembinski, was attacked by the Russians, 60,000 strong, under General Paskiewitsch. The first onslaught on the Polish entrenchments was made on the 6th September, 1831, and the Poles were driven from their first line. On the 7th a further assault was made, notable for the defence of the Wola redoubt, where, when it was finally captured by the Russians, only eleven men remained alive out of a garrison of 3,000. On the 8th the last defences were overcome, and the city capitulated. The Poles had 9,000 killed in the defence. The Russians admitted a loss of 63 officers and 3,000 men killed, and 445 officers and 7,000 men wounded.

Wartemberg (Campaign of Leipsic).

Fought October 3, 1813, when Blucher, with 60,000 Prussians, defeated 16,000 French, under Bertrand, posted in a very strong position, protected by a dyke and a swamp. Aided by the ground, the French withstood the Prussian attack for over four hours, but finally Blucher turned their right flank and drove them from their position. The Prussians lost about 5,000. The French admit a loss of 500 only.

Wartzburg (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought 1796, between the French, under Jourdan, and the Austrians, under the Archduke Charles. The Archduke interposed between the armies of Jourdan and Moreau, who were endeavouring to effect a junction, and inflicted a severe defeat upon Jourdan, forcing him to retire to the Rhine.

Waterloo (Hundred Days).

Fought June 18, 1815, between 24,000 British, and 43,500 Dutch, Belgians and Nassauers, in all 67,655 men, with 156 guns, under the Duke of Wellington, and the French, 71,947 strong, with 246 guns, under Napoleon. Wellington posted his troops along the line of heights covering the road to Brussels, with advanced posts at the farms of Hougoumont and La Haye Sainte. Napoleon attacked this position with the utmost resolution, but the British squares held their ground against the French cavalry and artillery throughout the day, and though the French captured La Haye Sainte, and obtained a footing in Hougoumont, the arrival of Blucher, with the Prussian army, on the French right, enabled Wellington at last to assume the offensive, and drive the enemy headlong from the field, utterly routed. The British lost about 15,000, the Prussians 7,000 in the battle. The losses of the Dutch and Belgians were very small, as they left the field early in the day. The French loss was never officially stated, but it was doubtless enormous, and the army practically ceased to exist as an organized force.

Watigaon (First Burmah War).

Fought November 15, 1825, when Brigadier-General M’Donell, with four native regiments, advanced in three columns, against a large force of Burmans, under Maha Nemyo. The columns failed to keep touch, and were repulsed in detail, with a loss of 200 men, including the Brigadier.

Watrelots (Netherlands War of Independence).

Fought January, 1567, between 1,200 Flemish Protestants, under Teriel, and 600 Spaniards, under the Seigneur de Rassinghem. The Protestants were defeated and 600 took refuge in an old graveyard, where they held out till the last man had fallen.

Wattignies (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought October, 1793, when the French, under Jourdan, attacked the Austrians, under the Duke of Coburg, and drove him from his position, forcing him to raise the siege of Manbeuge.

Wavre (Hundred Days).

Fought June 18, 1815, between the French, under Grouchy, and the Prussians, 27,000 strong, under Thielmann, who had been entrusted by Blucher with the task of containing Grouchy, while the main Prussian army marched on Waterloo. Grouchy, who was anxiously expected at Waterloo, mistook his instructions, and wasted the day in attacking Thielmann, whom he defeated, but uselessly.

Wednesfield (Danish Invasion).

Fought in 911, between the Danes and the West Saxons, under Edward the Elder. The Danes were defeated.

Wei-hai-Wei (Chino-Japanese War).

On February 4, 1895, the boom protecting Wei-hai-Wei harbour was cut, and the Chinese fleet attacked by 10 Japanese torpedo-boats, who succeeded in sinking one battleship, at the cost of two torpedo-boats. On the following night the attack was renewed by four boats, and three Chinese ships were sunk. On the 9th another battleship was sunk by the Japanese land batteries, whereupon Admiral Ting, the Chinese commander, surrendered, and he and his principal officers committed suicide.

Weissenburg (Franco-German War).

The opening engagement of the campaign, fought August 4, 1870, between the advance-guard of the Third German Army, under the Crown Prince of Prussia, and a portion of Marshal Macmahon’s army, under General Abel Donay, who fell in the battle. The Germans carried the French position, and captured the town of Weissenburg, at a cost of 91 officers and 1,460 men. The French lost 2,300 killed, wounded and prisoners.

Wepener (Second Boer War).

This place was invested by a strong force of Boers, under De Wet, April 9, 1900, and was defended by 1,700 men of the Colonial Division, under Colonel Dalgety. Notwithstanding the Boer’s great preponderance in artillery, and a succession of bold assaults on the trenches, the garrison held out gallantly till April 25, when they were relieved by General Rundle, having lost 300 killed and wounded in the course of the operations.

Werben (Thirty Years’ War).

Fought July 22, 1631, between the Swedes, 16,000 strong, under Gustavus Adolphus, and 26,000 Imperialists, under Count Tilly. Tilly attacked Gustavus’ entrenchments in front of Werben, but his troops could not face the fire of the Swedish batteries, and being thrown into disorder, were then charged by the cavalry, under Baudissen, and repulsed. The attack was renewed a few days later with a similar result, and Tilly then drew off his forces, having suffered a loss of 6,000 men.

Wertingen (Campaign of Austerlitz).

Fought October, 1805, between the cavalry of Murat’s corps, and nine Austrian battalions, strongly posted in and round Wertingen. The Austrians were defeated, losing 2,000 prisoners and several guns, and had the French infantry been nearer at hand, it is probable that the whole force would have been captured.

White Oak Swamp.

_See_ Seven Days’ Battles.

Wiazma (Moscow Campaign).

Fought November 3, 1812, when the corps of Eugène Beauharnais and Davoust were attacked during the retreat from Moscow, by the Russians, under Kutusoff, and suffered a loss of 4,000 men.

Wilderness, The (American Civil War).

Fought May 5 to 8, 1864, between the Army of the Potomac, 150,000 strong, under General Grant, and 53,000 Confederates, under General Lee. Lee’s object was to intercept Grant’s advance on Richmond, and early on the morning of the 5th he attacked the approaching Federal columns, and after a hard-fought day, succeeded in arresting the progress of Grant’s right wing. On the 6th, Lee almost succeeded in breaking Grant’s centre, but at the critical moment, Longstreet, who was to lead the attack, was fired upon and dangerously wounded by his own troops. The Federal right wing, however, was driven back in confusion, and Lee on his side lost no ground. The two following days minor skirmishes took place, leading up to the great battle of Spottsylvania. The Confederates lost about 8,000 in the two days’ fighting. The Federal losses were far heavier, amounting to 15,000 in the second day alone.

Williamsburg (American Civil War).

Fought May 5, 1862, between the Confederates, under General Magruder, and the Federals, under General M’Clellan. Magruder occupied a very strong position and held the Federals at bay throughout the day, but being greatly outnumbered, withdrew during the night. The Federals lost 2,228 killed, wounded and missing, the Confederate loss being much smaller.

Wilson’s Creek (American Civil War).

Fought August 6, 1861, between 6,000 Federals, under General Lyon, and 16,000 Confederates, under General M’Culloch. General Lyon divided his force into two columns, for the attack on M’Culloch’s position, and that led by himself surprised the Southerners, and gained a partial success. They rallied, however, and beat him off, Lyon falling, the other column being also repulsed. The Federals lost 1,236, and the Confederates 1,095 killed, wounded and missing.

Wimpfen (Thirty Years’ War).

Fought April 26, 1622, between 14,000 Palatinate troops, under the Margrave of Baden, and the Imperialists, under Count Tilly and Gonsalvo de Cordova. Tilly attacked the Margrave’s camp, which was not entrenched, and though a brilliant cavalry charge captured his guns, it was not supported by the Palatine infantry, and the Imperialists rallying, drove off the cavalry in disorder, recovered the guns, and then routed the infantry, with a loss of 2,000 killed and wounded, and all their artillery, baggage and camp equipment.

Winchester (American Civil War).

Fought June 14, 1863, when 7,000 Federals, under General Milroy, were defeated by three Confederate divisions, under General Ewell, and forced to retreat with heavy loss, including 3,700 prisoners and 30 guns.

Winkovo (Moscow Campaign).

Fought October 18, 1812, when Murat, with 30,000 men, forming the advance-guard of the retiring French army, was attacked by the Russians, under Count Orloff Dennizoff, and driven from his position, with a loss of 2,000 killed, 1,500 prisoners, and all his baggage and artillery.

Wisby (Dano-Swedish Wars).

A three days’ battle, fought 1613, between the fleet of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, and that of Christian IV, of Denmark. The action was very obstinately contested, and finally the fleets separated without any decisive result.

Wisloch (Thirty Years’ War).

Fought April 16, 1622, between the troops of the Count Palatine, under the Count von Mansfeldt, and the Imperialists, under Count Tilly. Tilly attacked and drove in the Palatinate rearguard, but failing to check the pursuit, was confronted by the main body, and defeated with a loss of 3,000 killed and wounded, and all his guns. This victory enabled Mansfeldt to effect a junction with the army of the Margrave of Baden.

Worcester (Civil War).