Dictionary of Battles / From the Earliest Date to the Present Time

Ebersberg (Campaign of Wagram).

Fought May 3, 1809, when Masséna’sMasséna’s corps stormed the bridge and castle of Ebersberg, which was held by about 30,000 Austrians under the Archduke Charles. After the bridge was captured, a terrible conflict followed in the streets of Ebersberg, and finally the Austrians were driven out, with a loss of about 3,000 killed and wounded, 4,000 prisoners and many guns. The French admit a loss of 1,700 only.

Eckmühl (Campaign of Wagram).

Fought April 22, 1809, between 90,000 French, under Napoleon, and 76,000 Austrians, under the Archduke Charles. The Austrians occupied a position on the high ground above Eckmühl, from which they were dislodged after severe fighting, but the approach of night enabled the Archduke to draw off his troops in tolerable order towards Ratisbon, with a loss of about 5,000 killed and wounded, and 3,000 prisoners. The French loss is stated at 2,500. By this victory Napoleon cut the main Austrian army in two.

Ecnomus (First Punic War).

Fought B.C. 256, between 330 Roman galleys, with crews of 100,000 men, under L. Manlius Valso, and M. Attilius Regulus, and 350 Carthaginian ships under Hanno. After a hard-fought battle, in which the Romans lost 24 vessels, they defeated the Carthaginians, with a loss of 30 ships sunk and 64 captured, and drove the rest of the fleet to Carthage.

Edessa (Persian Wars).

Fought 259, between the Romans under Valerian, and the Persians under Sapor I. The Romans were totally defeated, and Valerian taken prisoner.

Edgeworth (Wars of the Roses).

Fought July 26, 1469, between the Yorkists under Pembroke, and the troops of the revolted Nevilles. The Lancastrians attacked Pembroke, whose troops were chiefly Welshmen, and, notwithstanding a stubborn resistance, defeated them with heavy loss, no less than 168 Welsh knights falling, besides rank and file. Edward IV, who was in the neighbourhood, though not present at the battle, was captured soon after.

Edgehill (Civil War).

The first battle of the Civil War, October 23, 1642, between the Royalists under Charles I, and the Parliamentarians, under Essex, each army being about 20,000 strong. The victory was claimed by both sides, but the advantage rested with the King, as the Parliamentarians failed to face Prince Rupert's cavalry, and the Royalists were not prevented from continuing their march on London.

Elandslaagte (Second Boer War).

Fought October 21, 1899, between a strong Boer force under General Koch, and 3 battalions and 5 squadrons of British troops, with 12 guns, under General French. The Boers occupied a strong position, on high ground near the Ladysmith-Dundee railway, from which they were driven by the infantry and Imperial Light Horse (dismounted) with a loss of 250 killed and wounded, and 200 prisoners, including Koch. The British lost 35 officers and 219 men.

Elands River (Second Boer War).

On August 4, 1900, a force of 400 Australians, under Colonel Hore, were surrounded by 2,500 Boers, with 6 guns. The Australians occupied an exposed kopje, with no water nearer than the river half-a-mile away. Their maxim became unserviceable, an attempt by General Carrington to relieve them failed, and so severe was the Boer fire that, in 11 days, 1,800 shells fell within their lines. They held out, however, till August 15, when they were relieved by Lord Kitchener, having lost 75 killed and wounded, and nearly all their horses.

El Caney (Spanish-American War).

Elinga (Second Punic War).

See Pea Ridge.

Ellandune.

In this battle, fought 823, the Mercians under Beorwulf, were totally routed by the West Saxons under Egbert.

Elleporus.

Fought B.C. 389, between the Sicilians, 23,000 strong, under Dionysius of Syracuse, and the Italiots, 17,000 strong, under Heloris. Dionysius attacked the Italiot vanguard, under Heloris himself, on the march, and the Italiot army, coming into action in detachments, was beaten piecemeal, and finally routed with heavy loss. The survivors, 10,000 in number, surrendered, and were allowed to go free. Heloris was slain.

El Teb (Soudan Campaigns).

Fought February 4, 1884, when a column of 3,500 Egyptian troops under Baker Pasha, marching to relieve Sinkat, was overwhelmed, and practically annihilated by 12,000 Soudanese under Osman Digna. The Egyptians lost 2,360 killed and wounded.

El Teb.

See Trinkitat.

Embata (Social War).

Fought B.C. 356, when an Athenian fleet of 120 sail, under Chares, designed to attack the Chians, with 100 galleys, in the straits between Chios and the mainland. The day proving stormy, however, his colleagues Iphicrates and Timoleon declined the enterprise as too hazardous, and Chares attacking alone, with a third of the fleet, was defeated with heavy loss.

Emesa (Expedition to Palmyra).

Fought 272, between the Romans under Aurelian, and the Palmyrenians under Zenobia. Zenobia was completely defeated, and forced to retire within the walls of Palmyra, to which Aurelian at once laid siege.

Empingham (Wells' Rebellion).

See Graspan.

EutawEutaw Springs (American War of Independence).

Fought September 8, 1781, between the British garrison of Charleston, under Colonel Stewart, and the Americans, under General Greene. The British were attacked and at first driven back, but rallying carried the American positions, but with a loss of 700 men, which so weakened their small force that they were unable to profit by the victory.

Entholm (Dano-Swedish Wars).

Fought June 11, 1676, between the Danish fleet, under van Tromp, and Swedes. The Swedes were defeated with very heavy loss in ships and men.

Entzheim.

See Sinzheim.

Ephesus (Ionian War).

Fought 499 B.C., between the Athenians and Ionians, under Aristagorus, and the Persians, under Artaphernes. The Greeks who were retreating to the coast after burning Sardis, were overtaken by the pursuing Persians, under the walls of Ephesus, and signally defeated. The Athenians thereupon withdrew their fleet, and took no further part in the war.

Ephesus (Gallic Invasion of Asia).

Fought B.C. 262, between the Syrians, under Antigonus, and the Gallic invaders. Antigonus was disastrously defeated.

Erbach (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought May 15, 1800, between 15,000 French under Sainte-Suzanne, and 36,000 Austrians under de Kray. The Austrians, who had 12,000 cavalry, attacked vigorously, but the French, though driven back at certain points, were not routed, and held to their main positions for 12 hours, until the approach of St. Cyr's corps forced the Austrians to retire. Both sides lost heavily in the action.

Erisa (South American War of Independence).

Fought December, 1814, between the Spanish royalists, under Bover, 8,000 strong, and the American patriots, under Ribas. Ribas was totally defeated, and taken prisoner, and in revenge for the death of Bover, who fell in the battle, he was beheaded, and his head publicly exposed in Caraccas.

Espinosa (Peninsular War).

Fought November 10, 1808, between 18,000 French under Victor, and 30,000 Spaniards under Blake. The Spaniards were routed, and Blake's army scattered. The French lost about 1,100 men.

Essling.

See Aspern.

Etampes.

Fought 604, between the Burgundians, under Queen Brunehilde, and the Neustrians under Clothaire II. The latter were totally defeated with heavy loss.

Ethandun (Danish Invasion).

Fought 878, between the West Saxons, under Alfred, and the Danes, under Guthrum. The Danes were totally defeated, and Alfred's victory was followed by the Peace of Wedmore, which lasted for fifteen years.

Eurymedon, The (Third Persian Invasion).

Fought B.C. 470, between the Persian fleet and army, and the Athenians and Delians, under Cimon. The Greeks were victorious both by land and sea, defeating the Persian fleet with a loss of 200 ships, and routing the land army with great slaughter. This victory secured the adhesion of the south of Asia Minor to the Athenian Confederacy.

Evesham (Barons' War).

Fought August 4, 1265, between the royalists under Prince Edward, and the Barons under Simon de Montfort. The Barons were taken by surprise, having at first mistaken Edward's army for reinforcements under young de Montfort, and were totally defeated, Simon de Montfort falling. This defeat ended the Barons' War.

Eylau (Campaign of Friedland).

Fought February 8, 1807, between 90,000 French under Napoleon, and 80,000 Russians under Bennigsen. Napoleon attacked at daybreak, all along the line, but could at first make no impression on the Russian infantry. Later in the day Davoust all but succeeded in turning the Russian left, but the opportune arrival of a Prussian corps under l'Estocq enabled the Russians to repulse him, and after a sanguinary engagement, which lasted till ten p.m., both armies retained their original positions. On the following day the Russians retired unmolested. The French lost about 30,000; the Russians about 20,000 killed and wounded.

Faenza (First Gothic War).

Fought 541, between 20,000 Roman legionaries, and the Goths under Totila, King of Italy. The Romans made no attempt to resist the onslaught of the Goths, but throwing down their arms fled ignominiously, giving the Goths an easy victory.

Fair Oaks (American Civil War).

Farquhar's Farm (Second Boer War).

Fought April 24, 1885, when General Middleton, with 400 Canadians, attempted to drive the rebels, 280 strong, from a strong position near Fish Creek.Creek. After losing 50 men, Middleton withdrew. The rebels lost 29 killed and wounded.

Fisher's Hill (American Civil War).

Fought September 21, 1864, between 40,000 Federals, under General Sheridan, and 12,000 Confederates, under General Early. The Confederates were defeated and driven from their position with a heavy loss in prisoners and 11 guns.

Fleurus (Thirty Years' War).

Fought August 29, 1622, between the Spaniards, under Spinola, and the Palatinate troops, under Count von Mansfeldt and Christian of Brunswick. The Germans were endeavouring to retreat into Holland after their defeat at Hoechst and were intercepted by the Spaniards, through whom they tried to fight their way. In this effort the infantry was almost entirely cut to pieces, but about 7,000 cavalry reached Breda with the two generals.

Fleurus.

Fought July 1, 1690, between the French, under Marshal Luxembourg, and the Germans and Dutch under the Prince of Waldeck. The French gained a signal victory, the allies being driven from the field in disorder with a loss of 14,000 killed and wounded, and 49 guns.

Fleurus (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought June 16, 1794, between the Austrians, 80,000 strong, under the Duke of Coburg, and an equal force of French, under Jourdan. The Austrians attacked, and after a severe engagement, were repulsed and compelled to fall back in the direction of Brussels to cover that city.

Flodden (Scottish Wars).

Fought September 9, 1513, when the English, under the Earl of Surrey, attacked the Scots, under James IV, in a strong position on the hill of Flodden. The position was turned by the English left wing, under Stanley, and the Scots totally defeated with heavy losses. James and all his principal nobles fell.

Florence (German Invasion of Italy).

This city was besieged in 406, by the German invaders under Radagaisus, and was almost on the verge of starvation, when the approach of Stilicho at the head of a large Roman army, encouraged the defenders to further resistance. The besiegers, in fact, now became the besieged, for Stilicho surrounded their camp, and starved the Germans into surrender.

Flushing (Walcheren Expedition).

This town was besieged by the British under Lord Chatham and surrendered after a feeble defence, August 16, 1809.

Foksani (Ottoman Wars).

Fought July 21, 1789, between the Turks, under Yusuf Pasha, and the Russians and Austrians under Suwaroff and the Prince of Saxe-Coburg. The allies stormed the Turkish entrenched camp and drove out the Turks with a loss of 2,000 men.

Fontenoy (War of the Austrian Succession).

Fought May 11, 1745, between 50,000 British, Dutch and Austrian troops, under the Duke of Cumberland, and the French, under Marshal Saxe. The Duke endeavoured to relieve Tournay, which the French were besieging, and the British troops captured the heights on which the French were posted. The Prince of Waldeck, however, who commanded the Dutch, failed to support the Duke, and the French being reinforced, the trenches were retaken, and the British beaten back. Tournay fell shortly afterwards.

Formigny (Hundred Years' War).

Fought April 15, 1450, when the newly landed English reinforcements under Kyrielle were totally defeated, and almost annihilated, by the French under the Comte de Clermont. This defeat practically put an end to the English domination in the north of France.

Fornham St. Genevieve (Rebellion of the Princes).

Fought 1173, between the supporters of the rebel princes under Robert de Beaumont, and the forces of Henry II under the Justiciary, Richard de Lucy. The rebels were defeated.

Fornovo (Italian Wars).

Fought July 6, 1495, between 34,000 Venetians and Mantuans under Francisco de Gonzaga of Mantua, and 8,000 French and Swiss under Charles VIII. The French were attacked as they were retiring, but succeeded in repulsing the Italians at a cost of only 100 of all ranks, while the assailants lost 3,500 killed and wounded.

Fort Frontenac (Seven Years' War).

This place, held by about 110 French troops, under Noyan, was captured by Colonel Bradstreet with 3,000 Colonials, August 27, 1758. The capture was of extreme importance, as it robbed the French of the control of Lake Ontario, and severed their communications with their posts on the Ohio.

Fort St. David (Seven Years' War).

This fortress was besieged, May 14, 1758, by a French force under Lally Tollendal, and defended by a garrison of 800 British and 1,600 native troops. The defence was not energetically conducted, and, on the arrival in the roads of a French fleet under Comte d'Aché, the garrison surrendered, June 2.

Fort St. David (Seven Years' War).

A naval action was fought off this place, April 29, 1758, between 7 British ships under Admiral Pococke, and a squadron of 9 French vessels under Comte d'Aché. After a short and indecisive engagement, the French sheered off, but the British were too severely damaged in the rigging to give chase. The French lost one ship, driven ashore.

Fort William Henry (Seven Years' War).

This fort, held by 2,200 British and Colonial troops under Colonel Monro, was besieged, August 4, 1757, by Montcalm, with 6,000 French and Canadians and 1,600 Indians. Montcalm's batteries opened on the 6th, and on the 9th, having lost 300 killed and wounded, and nearly all his guns being disabled, Monro surrendered. He was to be permitted to retire unmolested to Fort Edward, but the French were unable to control their Indian allies, who attacked the unarmed column as it retired. Before order was restored, some 50 had been killed, and 400 carried off prisoners by the Indians.

Fought 251, between the Romans under Decius, and the Goths under CnivaCniva. The Gothic army was drawn up in three lines, and the legionaries overthrew the two first, but, in attacking the third, they became entangled in a morass, and were utterly routed. Decius and his son were slain.

Frankenhausen (Peasants' War).

Fought May 15, 1525, between the troops of Saxony, Hesse and Brunswick, and the revolted peasants under Thomas Münzer. The peasants were utterly routed, and Münzer captured and hanged out of hand. This entirely put an end to the rising.

Frankfort-on-Oder (Thirty Years' War).

This place was taken by storm by Gustavus Adolphus, at the head of 15,000 Swedes, April 2, 1631. Schaumberg and Montecucculi, who were in the town, escaped with a portion of the cavalry, but 1,800 of the Imperialist garrison were killed, and 800 captured, with 30 standards and 18 heavy guns.

Franklin (American Civil War).

Fought June 30, 1864, between 30,000 Federals under General Schofield, and 40,000 Confederates under General Hood. Schofield occupied a strong position covering Nashville, where he was attacked by Hood, who penetrated his lines. The Federals, however, rallied, and recaptured the lost positions, and after nightfall, Schofield was enabled to cross the Harpeth in good order, and effect a junction with General Thomas. The Confederates lost about 4,500; the Federals, 1,500 killed and wounded and 1,000 prisoners.

Frastenz (Suabian War).

Fought April 20, 1499, when the Swiss, under Heinrich Wolleb, attacked the Austrians who occupied a strongly entrenched position, and drove them out with a loss of 3,000 killed. Wolleb, who led the charge, was the first to fall on the Swiss side.

Fraubrunnen (Invasion of the "Guglers").

Fought January, 1376, between the Bernese, and the "Guglers," French and English mercenaries, under Baron Ingelram von Coucy, who claimed the Canton of Aargau in right of his mother. The "Guglers" were totally routed, and compelled to retire from Switzerland.

Frauenstadt (Russo-Swedish Wars).

Fought February 12, 1706, between 10,000 Swedes under Marshal Reinschild, and 20,000 Russians and Saxons under General Schulemburg. The battle did not last a quarter of an hour, for the allies fled without making any resistance. No less than 7,000 loaded muskets were picked up on the battlefield.

Fredericksburg (American Civil War).

Fought December 13, 1862 between 150,000 Federals under General Burnside, and 80,000 Confederates under General Lee. The Confederates, who occupied a range of heights fringing the Massaponax River, were attacked by the Federals, whom they repulsed after hard fighting, with a loss of 13,771 killed and wounded. The Confederates lost 1,800 only, but Lee, owing to his inferior numbers, did not feel strong enough to push his victory home, and allowed Burnside to evacuate Fredericksburg unmolested.

Fredericshall (Dano-Swedish Wars).

This fortress, the strongest in Norway, was besieged by the Swedes, under Charles XII, early in December, 1718. On the 11th, as he was inspecting the advanced batteries, the king was struck by a round shot, and fell dead. The Swedes at once raised the siege.

Freteval.

Fought 1194, between the English under Richard Cœur de Lion, and the French under Philip Augustus. Richard gained a complete victory.

Fribourg (Thirty Years' War).

Fought August 3, 5 and 9, 1644, between 20,000 French under the Great Condé and Turenne, and 15,000 Bavarians under the Comte de Mercy. On the 3rd, Turenne, after a long flank march, attacked the Bavarians on the flank, while Condé assailed their front, at 5 p.m. When night fell, the Bavarians were giving way, and during the night de Mercy retired to a fresh position. Here he was attacked on the 5th, but held his ground throughout the day. The French losing twice as many men as their opponents. Three days later de Mercy found it necessary to retreat, and on the 9th he was attacked while retiring by a force of cavalry. This he repulsed, but Condé, coming up, rescued his cavalry, and drove the Bavarians headlong before him, capturing all their artillery and baggage.

Friedland (Campaign of Friedland).

Fought June 14, 1807, between 80,000 French under Napoleon, and 70,000 Russians under Bennigsen. The battle began at 3 a.m., at which time only Lannes' corps was on the field. Bennigsen at first contented himself with an artillery duel, and did not attack in force till 7 a.m., when 26,000 French were in position. These held their ground till the arrival of Napoleon, who with his fresh troops launched an attack against the Russian columns massed in a bend of the river Alle, drove large numbers of them into the river, and occupied Friedland after hard fighting. It was 10 p.m. before the Russians were finally driven from the field, having lost 15,000 killed and wounded and 10,000 prisoners. The French lost between 9,000 and 10,000. This victory was followed by the signature of the Peace of Tilsit.

Fuentes d’Oñorod’Oñoro (Peninsular War).

Fought May 5, 1811, in the course of Masséna's attempt to relieve Almeida. Wellington, with 34,000 men, occupied a position behind Fuentes d'Oñoro, which was attacked by Masséna with 34,000 troops and 36 guns. He failed to capture the position, and finally retired, in good order. The British lost 1,200 killed and wounded, and 300 prisoners. The French losses are variously estimated, but were certainly heavier.

Fulford (Norse Invasion).

Fought 1066, between the Norsemen under Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, the English under Earls Edwin and Morcar. The English were defeated.

Furruckabad (Second Mahratta War).

Fought November 14, 1804, between a small British force under Lord Lake, and an army of 60,000 Mahrattas under Jeswunt Rao Holkar. Holkar was signally defeated with heavy loss. The British casualties were only 2 killed and 20 wounded.

Fushimi (Japanese Revolution).

Fought 1868, between the troops of Aizu and Kuwana, under the Shôgun, Yoshinobu, and the forces of Satsuma and Choshu, who gained a complete victory.

Futteypur (Indian Mutiny).

Fought July 12, 1857, between a strong force of rebels, and the British troops under Havelock, who was marching to the relief of Lucknow. The rebels were completely defeated, losing 11 guns, while not a single European in the British force was killed.

Gadebesk (Dano-Swedish Wars).

Fought December 20, 1712, between the Swedes, 12,000 strong, under General Steinbock, and 24,000 Danes and Saxons. The allies occupied a position protected by marshy ground, where they were attacked by the Swedes, and, after three hours' hard fighting, driven from their entrenchments with heavy loss.

Gaines' Mill.

See Seven Days' Battles.

Gangud (Russo-Swedish Wars).

Fought 1714, between the Russian fleet under Peter the Great, and the Swedish, under Admiral Ehrenskiöld. The Swedes were utterly routed and Ehrenskiöld and the whole of his squadron captured.

Garigliano (Italian Wars).

Fought November 8, 1503, between the Spaniards, 12,000 strong, under Gonsalvo de Cordova, and the French, in greatly superior force, under Francisco de Gonzaga of Mantua. Gonzaga, wishing to pass the Garigliano, had thrown a bridge over it, and proceeded to cross in face of the Spanish army. After very severe fighting, the French drove back the Spaniards, and made good the passage of the river.

Garigliano (Italian Wars).

Fought December 29, 1503, between the Spaniards, about 15,000 strong, under Gonsalvo de Cordova, and the French, slightly superior in number, under the Marquis of Saluzzo. Gonsalvo crossed the Garigliano at two points, and fell upon the French, who were retiring on Gasta. After hard fighting, in which the Chevalier Bayard bore a notable part, the French were utterly routed, leaving 4,000 dead on the field, and all their artillery and baggage. The Spanish loss is unknown.

Garigliano (Italian Rising).

Fought October, 1850, between the Italian patriots under Cialdini, and the Neapolitans under Francis II of Naples. The patriots were victorious.

Gate Pah (Maori War).

Fought April 27, 1864, when 1,700 British soldiers and blue-jackets, under General Cameron, attacked the Maori stockade known as the Gate Pah. After a short bombardment, 600 men forced their way into the stockade, but were repulsed. On the following day it was found that the stockade had been evacuated. The British lost 14 officers, and 98 men killed and wounded. Only 30 dead and wounded Maories were found in and near the Pah.

Gaulauli (Indian Mutiny).

Fought May 22, 1858, between a British column under Sir Hugh Rose, and 20,000 rebels under Tantia Topi, the Ranee of Jhansi, and other rebel leaders. The overwhelming numbers of the rebels at first gave them the advantage, but a bayonet charge broke them, and they fled in disorder with heavy loss. This victory was followed by the recovery of Calpi.

Gaza (Alexander's Asiatic Campaigns).

This city, defended by a Persian garrison, under Batis, was besieged by Alexander the Great October, 332 B.C. Utilizing the engines he had employed against Tyre, he succeeded, after some weeks, in breaching the walls, and, after three unsuccessful assaults, carried the city by storm, the garrison being put to the sword.

Gaza (Wars of Alexander's Successors).

Fought B.C. 312, between the Syrians and Egyptians under Seleucus and Ptolemy Soter, 25,000 strong, and an equal force of Macedonians under Demetrius Poliorcetes. The Macedonians were routed, losing 5,000 killed, 8,000 wounded, and all their treasure and baggage.

Gebora (Peninsular War).

Fought February 19, 1811, between 8,000 French, under Marshal Soult, and 12,000 Spaniards, under Mendizabal. The Spaniards were routed with a loss of 2,000 killed and wounded, 5,000 prisoners and all their guns.

Gelt, The.

Fought February, 1570, between the rebel Borderers under Leonard Dacre, and the royal troops under Lord Hunsdon.Hunsdon. The rebels were completely routed.

Gemblours (Netherlands War of Independence).

Fought January 31, 1578, between the Netherlands patriots, 20,000 strong, under General Goignies, and the Spaniards, in about equal force, under Don John of Austria. The patriots, who were retiring from Namur, were followed by Don John, who sent forward a picked force of 1,600 men, under Gonzaga and Mondragon in pursuit. They attacked the rearguard, under Philip Egmont, and dispersed it, and then, falling suddenly upon the main body, utterly routed it, with a loss, it is said, of 10,000 killed and prisoners. The Spaniards lost ten or eleven at most.

Genoa.

In 1746, the Genoese, incensed by the license of the soldiery, rose against the Austrian garrison, under General Botta, and after five days' street fighting, lasting from December 6 to 10, drove them out of the city, with a loss of 5,000 men.

Genoa (Wars of the French Revolution).

Fought March 13, 1795, between a British fleet of 14 sail of the line under Admiral Hotham, and a French fleet of 15 sail. The action lasted throughout the day, and on the following morning the French retired, leaving two line-of-battle ships in the hands of the British. The British lost 74 killed and 284 wounded.

Genoa (Napoleon's Italian Campaigns).

In April, 1800, Genoa, held by the French, under Masséna, was besieged by the Austrians under General Melas, and later in the siege under General Ott. The city had for some time been blockaded on the seaward side by the British fleet, under Lord Keith. Provisions were consequently scarce, and notwithstanding some successful sorties, Masséna was forced to capitulate, June 5, the garrison marching out without laying down their arms.

Geok Tepe (Russian Conquest of Central Asia).

This place, the stronghold of the Tekke Turcomans, defended by a garrison of 15,000, was besieged, September 9, 1878, by the Russians, under General Lomakine. After a short bombardment, an attempt was made to storm the fortress, which was repulsed with a loss of 500. The breaching guns were with difficulty saved, and the Russians retired on the following day. About 4,000 Turcomans were killed by shell fire.

In 1881, a second attempt was made by Skobeloff, with 10,000 Russians, the garrison being now nearly 30,000 strong. After a regular siege, lasting from the 8th to the 17th of January, the place was stormed, 6,500 Turcomans falling in the assault, and 8,000 in the subsequent pursuit.

Gerberoi.

Fought 1080, between the troops of William the Conqueror, and those of his son Robert, who claimed the Dukedom of Normandy, and was receiving aid from Philip I of France. Robert was defeated and made prisoner, and, obtaining his father's forgiveness, resigned his claim to the Dukedom.

Gergovia (Gallic War).

Fought B.C. 52, between the Romans under Julius Cæsar, and the Gauls under Vercingetorix. Cæsar was besieging the town, but was compelled to retreat. Before retiring, however, he delivered an assault which was repulsed by the Gauls, the Romans leaving over 700 legionaries, and 46 centurions dead on the field.

Germaghah.

Genghis Khan's first battle, fought 1193, when with 6,000 men he defeated the army of his father-in-law, Ung Khan, under Sankun, 10,000 strong, surprising them in a narrow pass, and inflicting heavy loss upon them.

Germantown (American War of Independence).

Fought October 4, 1777, between the Americans under Washington, and the British under Sir William Howe. The Americans attacked the British entrenchments, and were repulsed with heavy loss.

Gerona (Peninsular War).

This fortress, held by 3,000 Spanish regulars, under Mariano Alvarez, was besieged, June 4, 1809, by General Verdier, with 18,000 French. Though ill-provided with food, medicines, and money, and receiving but little assistance from outside, Alvarez held out gallantly till December 10, when he capitulated, and the garrison marched out with the honours of war.

Gettysburg (American Civil War).

Fought July 1, 2 and 3, 1863, between the army of the Potomac under General Meade, and the army of Virginia under General Lee. On the 1st, Meade's position in front of Gettysburg was attacked by A. P. Hills' corps, and the Federals driven in confusion into the town. On the 2nd, Meade took up a fresh position behind Gettysburg, where he repulsed all the Confederate attacks, though at a heavy cost.cost. On the 3rd, Meade succeeded in driving back the Confederate left, but Lee's main attack succeeded in driving the Federals from the ridge. They rallied and retook it, but had lost too heavily to assume the offensive. Lee again offered battle on the 4th, but the Federals declined it, and Lee retired unmolested, having lost about 20,000 men in the three days. The Federal losses were about the same.

Gherain.

Fought August 2, 1763, between the army of Mir Cossim, the deposed Nawab of Bengal, and the British under Major Adams. A severe engagement, lasting four hours, ended in a signal victory for the British.

Ghoaine (First Afghan War).

Fought August 30, 1842, between General Nott's force, on its march from Kandahar to Ghuzni, and the Afghans, under Shems-ud-din, Governor of Ghuzni. The Afghans were totally defeated, losing all their guns, tents and baggage.

Ghuzni (First Afghan War).

This fortress, garrisoned by 3,000 Afghans, under Haidar Khan, was captured, January 21, 1839, by the British. The besiegers having no breaching guns, it was found necessary to blow in the main gate, and the place was then stormed, at a cost of 18 officers and 162 rank and file, killed and wounded. The garrison lost 500 killed.

Gibbel Rutts (Irish Rebellion).

Fought May 26, 1798, when the regulars, under Sir James Duff, attacked the camp of the rebels on the Curragh, and dispersed them at the point of the bayonet, with a loss of 350 killed.

Gibraltar (War of the Spanish Succession).

This fortress was captured, July 24, 1704, by a combined British and Dutch fleet, under Sir George Rooke, from the Spaniards under the Marquis de Salinas. The resistance of the garrison lasted 2 days only, during which the allies lost 12 officers and 276 men killed and wounded.

Gibraltar.

From 1779 to 1783, Gibraltar sustained a siege at the hands of a combined French and Spanish force, who, though provided with powerful floating batteries, were unable to make any impression on the defences. In the course of the siege, the garrison, under General Elliot, were several times reinforced and revictualled by British fleets, which ran the gauntlet of the blockade.

Gihon, The.

Fought 1362, between the Getes under their Khan, and the Tartars under Tamerlane. The Tartars were defeated, and the Getes marched upon Samarcand, but sickness robbed them of nearly all their horses, and they were forced to retire.

Gingi (Mogul Invasion of the Deccan).

This place was besieged by the Moguls in 1689, and was defended by Rajah Ram. The siege was carried on in desultory fashion, first by Zulfikar Khan, then by Kambaksh, son of Aurungzebe, and then again by Zulfikar Khan. After three years had been wasted, Aurungzebe took command in person, and after conniving at the escape of Rajah Ram, carried the place by storm.

Gislikon (War of the Sonderbund).

Fought November 23, 1847, when the Federals, under General Dufour, attacked the troops of the Sonderbund, under Colonel Salis-Soglio, strongly posted at Gislikon, near Lake Zug, and drove them from their position. The losses were very small. On the following day the Federals entered Lucerne, and the Civil War, which had lasted 20 days only, came to an end.

Gitschin (Seven Weeks' War).

Fought June 29 and 30, 1866, between the Prussians, 16,000 strong, under Prince Frederick Charles, and the Austrians and Saxons, 30,000 strong, under Count Clam Gallas. The Austrians were defeated, and driven from all their positions with a loss of 3,000 killed and wounded, and 7,000 prisoners.

Gladsmuir.

See Prestonpans.

Glen Fruin.

Fought 1604, between the royal troops under the Duke of Argyll, and the Macgregors and other clans, when the Highlanders gained a complete victory.

Glenlivet (Huntly's Rebellion).

Fought October 4, 1594, between the troops of James VI, 10,000 strong, under the Earl of Argyll, and the rebel Earls of Errol and Huntly. Though inferior in numbers, the rebels gained a complete victory, driving off the royal troops with a loss of 500 men.

Glen Malone.

Fought 1580, between the English settlers under Lord Grey de Wilton, and the Irish septs. The English suffered a serious defeat, among the slain being Sir Peter Carew.

Glenmarreston.

Fought 638, when the Scots under Donald Bree, King of Dalriada, utterly routed the invading Angles.

Glorious First of June.

See Ushant.

Goits (Italian Rising).

Fought May 30, 1848, between the Piedmontese under Charles Albert of Savoy, and the Austrians under General Radetsky. The Austrians were completely defeated, and Radetsky compelled to take refuge behind the line of the Adige.

Golden Rock (Seven Years' War).

Fought August 7, 1753, between 1,500 British under Major Lawrence, together with 5,000 Tanjore troops under Monakji, and a detachment of French and Mysoris, forming part of the army besieging Trichinopoly. The Golden Rock was taken by assault, and the enemy driven off in confusion, but the victory would have been more decisive had the Tanjore horse pursued with more vigour.

Goodwins, The (Dutch Wars).

Fought July 1, 1666, between a British fleet of 60 sail, under the Duke of Albemarle, and a Dutch fleet of 71 sail-of-the-line, and 30 smaller vessels, under van Tromp and de Ruyter.Ruyter. The action lasted two days, and was desperately contested, but the Dutch being reinforced in the morning of the 3rd, Albemarle bore away. On the 4th, having been joined by Prince Rupert's squadron, he renewed the attack, but without success. The English lost 10 ships, while most of the others were disabled. The killed and wounded amounted to 1,700, while 2,000 were taken prisoners.

Goraria (Indian Mutiny).

Fought November 23 and 24, 1857, between a British column, about 3,000 strong, under Brigadier Stuart, and a body of 5,000 rebels. The mutineers occupied a strong position, and the British were unable to dislodge them on the 23rd. On the following day the attack was renewed, and the rebels were driven out and dispersed, with a loss of over 1,500.

Gorni-Dubnik (Russo-Turkish War).

Fought October 24, 1877, between the 2nd Division of the Russian Guard, under General Gourko, and the Turks, who were holding the redoubt of Gorni-Dubnik, under Achmet Hefzi Pasha. After very heavy fighting, the Russians succeeded in dislodging their opponents, with a loss of 1,500 killed and wounded, and 53 officers and 2,250 men captured, including the Pasha. The Russians lost 3,300 killed and wounded, including 116 officers of the Guards.