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

French position was far from secure. The Austrians began to receive more reinforcements as Prince Alois Lichtenstein's division arrived. This gave the Austrians an even greater numerical advantage. The Austrian artillery was also taking a particular heavy toll on the French in their exposed positions. The situation called for resolute, bold and audacious actions on the part of Davout. He had already demonstrated these traits by initiating the attack earlier in the day. Now he would have to take similar actions to prevent the Austrians from overrunning his position. Hohenzollern then released the elite Manfredini Infantry into the attack. He sent them through the woods on the eastern side of the battlefield. Prince Alois Liechtenstein personally led this attack into the flank of the 57th Ligne. To counter this threat Davout launched the 72nd Ligne with General Compans, Chief of Staff for I11 Corps, at its head. It was commofi practice for commanders to send units into action with aides or chief- of-staff's at their.head. They would do this in critical situations when it was imperative that they achieve victory. The timing of this attack was critical. Davout and comp&ns timed it perfectly, the 72nd Ligne hit the Austrians just as they were emerging from the woods prior to their full deployment. The Austrians fell back in confusion.