MARSHAL LOUIS N. DAVOUT AND THE ART OF COMMAND A ...

twentieth Davout's actions on the twenty-first again saved the French army from possible defeat. On 21 April Davout held most of the Austrian army in check and protected Napoleon's exposed flank. Had Davout failed in this mission Napoleon's forces could have been crushed by an attack of the Austrians from the north. It must be remembered that Napoleon told Davout that he had a "mere three regiments to his front, 11 when in fact it was three corps. Through the correct application of the principles of war Davout was able to box the Austrian army into a corner around Eckmuehl. Davout's actions on the nightof the twenty-first and during the day on the twenty-second were again the saving grace for the French army. His insistence that Napoleon turn north on the twenty-second definitely saved the French army. Charles had three times the numerical strength of Davout and without the remainder of the French army Davout had little hope of winning an all out battle. Davout then positioned his forces to occupy Charles until Napoleon arrived. After three days of fighting he was still able to bring about the defeat of the Austrians and shatter their left and center. The success of Davout cannot be entirely attributed to his application of the art of command. It was also due to several additional factors to include: the skill and training of his soldiers, good tactical