Battle Story: Blenheim 1704

By: James Falkner

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Synopsis: Blenheim has gone down in history as one of the turning points of the War of the Spanish Succession – and some would say in the history of conflict in Europe. The overwhelming Allied victory ensured the safety of Vienna from the Franco-Bavarian army, thus preventing the collapse of the Grand Alliance. Bavaria was knocked out of the war, and Louis's hopes for a quick victory came to an end. France suffered over 30,000 casualties including the commander-in-chief, Marshal Tallard, who was taken captive to England. Before the 1704 campaign ended, the Allies had taken towns on the Moselle in preparation for the following year's campaign into France itself. It was a brilliant victory for Marlborough, which involved a lightning march of over 250 miles and superb deception – even of his own Dutch allies! Blenheim must be one of the most well known battles – because of Blenheim Palace – but few know why.