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

Though the actions on 20 April are collectively referred to as the battle of Abensberg, they were however, a series of tactical engagements along a twenty-mile front. Charles1 main force remained opposite Davout focused on the capture of Ratisbon. Controlling Ratisbon would enable Charles to unite with Kollowrat to the north and provide the needed reinforcements. Facing the remainder of the French forces was the Austrian left wing under Archduke Ludwig. The Bavarians began the battle with a weak attack across the Abens River. The Austrian artillery soon checked their advance. The French then began to make further progress to the south. Lannes with his newly formed corps launched an attack along the road toward Rohr (see Appendix A, Figure 4). Simultaneously Vandamme and General Wrede moved forward to the south of Lannes Corps. They pursued the Austrians along a parallel road through Siegenberg and Pfeffenhausen. Lefebvre's Corps supported Davout who remained around Hausen. The movement of the French against Archduke Ludwig proved too much. Easily convinced to retreat, the Hapsburgs headed southwest toward Landshut on the two parallel roads aggressively pursued by the French. The Austrians did manage to show some enthusiasm during the retreat. Along the road to Rottenberg General Vincent rallied his division to conduct a counterattack