THE WURTTEMBERG ARMY: In the Campaign of 1809

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The Wurttemberg army is little known125430 in English literature, never having come up against British troops, but is one of the most fascinating Napoleonic military organizations for its size.

The brainchild of the autocratic, benevolent despot, Friedrich I, it increased from four battalions of infantry and two regiments of cavalry when Friedrich succeeded in 1797 to 21 battalions of infantry and six regiments of cavalry in 1809. From a tiny Duchy within the Holy Roman Empire, Wurttemberg increased in size and power to become a significant realm within Europe, while Friedrich was promoted from Duke to Elector to King as his army became a more and more important part of Napoleon's Grande Armee.

The army was at the peak of its powers in 1809, having been honed in the Silesian campaign of 1806-7. In the Danube campaign of 1809, it played an important part in the battles of Abensberg and Eggmuhl and, without the aid of French troops, defeated an Austrian Corps at Linz-Urfahr. Wurttemberg officers at all levels showed brilliance and initiative, while the Jager, light infantry, cavalry and horse artillery in particular operated at the highest standards, receiving the admiration of French commanders such as Bernadotte, Bessieres, Massena, Lassalle and their own (begrudged) commander, Vandamme.

After Linz-Urfahr, Bernadotte described it's actions as only bearing comparison with the performance accustomed to be expected of the finest French troops -- a fitting tribute.