Austrian flexibility in 1809

by Geert van Uythoven

Source: Anon.: "Geschichte des kaiserlich-östreichischen 7. Linien-Infanterie-Regiments Großherzog Toskana [former 'Von Schröder']", in 'OMZ' 3. Band, 8. Heft (Wien 1824) pp. 195-196:

"[1809] (…) In dem heftigen Gefechte bei Ebersberg (3. Mai) fand eine Division des Regiments, von dem Hauptmann Siegler geführt, Gelegenheit, sich besonders hervorzuthun. Die Feinde suchten durch die Vorstadt von Ebersberg über den Graben vorzudringen, um das, unter Befehl des Major Grafen Salis, in der Stadt fechtende Bataillon der Wiener Freiwilligen abzuschneiden. Hauptmann Siegler, der dieß bemerkte, eilt unaufgefordert aus dem 2. Treffen mit seiner Division dem Feinde entgegen, wirft ihn zurück, macht 150 Gefangene, und befreit das Bataillon Salis. Der Hauptmann erhielt für diese tapfere, freiwillig unternommene That durch das Kapitel den Theresien-Orden."

"During the fierce fighting at Ebersberg (3 May), a division [i.e. 2 companies] of the regiment, commanded by Captain Siegler, had the opportunity to distinguish itself. The enemy tried to cross the ditch moving through the suburbs of Ebersburg, in order to cut off the battalion of Wiener volunteers fighting in the city, commanded by Major Graf Salis. When Captain Siegler noticed this, ON HIS OWN ACCOUNT he left the second line and charged the enemy, throwing them back, taking 150 prisoners, and liberating the battalion 'Salis'. The captain received, for his brave VOLUNTARY deed, the Order of Theresia from the Kapitel." [my capitals].

Contrary to popular believe, from the above it seems that Austrian officers were capable of using their own initiative, which was not opposed by the high command, but even rewarded!

© Geert van Uythoven