Ramillies

In 1706, the Allies triumphed on all three theaters of war.

Marlborough broke into the French lines and crushed their armies a second time at Ramillies, May 23rd, securing the Netherlands and occupying Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.

The French still held the barrier fortresses, chief of which were Mons, Tournai, and Lille, but they were obliged to keep to their own frontier instead of menacing that of Holland.

In the same year, Eugène succeeded in winning a victory at Turin and thus prevented a diversion in favor of Louis in North Italy.

The plain is dotted with villages and small woods.

Villeroi had posted almost his whole cavalry on his right between the Mehaigne and the village of Ramillies, in front of a mound known as the tomb of Oudermonde.

His centre extended from Ramillies to Aufeu, and his left from Aufeu to Anderkirch, the whole presenting a concave shape.

Marlborough had intended to occupy the position of Mont Saint-André himself, but only on the morning of the 23rd had he got all his troops together, and heavy rains during the night made it difficult for the infantry to get on quickly.

He pushed on over the lines of the enemy which he had destroyed the year before.

But Marlborough escaped alive, and though bruised by his fall, led on the charge himself.

The troops were fired by his spirit, and before their vigorous attack the enemy gave way.

The Danish and the Dutch troops charged at the same time, and the French were driven back round Ramillies, whilst the Allies gained the height of Ottomond.

He was to have been supported, according to William's plan, by a strong body of foot and horse.

Though most of Mackay's men had never been under fire, their behavior gave promise of Blenheim and Ramillies.

They first encountered the Swiss, who held a distinguished place in the French army.

The fight was so close and desperate that the muzzles of the muskets crossed.