Eugene at Belgrade
After a few years of peace we see Eugene again taking up his sword
against the Turks. The Venetians needed assistance against the Sublime
Porte. At first it was thought that all difficulties could be settled by
the pen, but the gentlemen in Constantinople assumed such an arrogant
tone that it was impossible for Vienna to countenance it. Besides, the
imperial house was much more powerful than in former days, when the
Turks had advanced to the very gates of Vienna. Having vanquished the
French, Austria was confident that she could conquer the Turks also. But
the latter thought otherwise and were determined to regain what they had
lost, at all costs. We shall see what happened.
Appointed imperial Governor-General of the Netherlands—no slight proof
of the boundless confidence of his Emperor and master—Prince Eugene of
Savoy prepared for a valiant defence against the grimmest foe of
Christendom.
Surrounded by a group of heroes, including the daring Heister (called
“the scourge of the Turks”), the excellent cavalry commander Palffy,
Prince Alexander of Württemberg, the faithful Mercy, the expert soldier
Starhemberg, and others, he left Vienna in order to join the army which
was gathering at Peterwardein, in the Summer of 1716.
The Turks meanwhile had not been dilatory. Their army, numbering at
least two hundred thousand men, was, according to Turkish standards,
well fitted out and amply furnished with all requisites. Relying upon
this, the Grand Vizier Ali wrote to the Field-Marshal General, Prince
Eugene, among other things, these words: “The Ottoman Empire expects to
win much glory and many victories in this campaign, whereas your
shameful conduct will bring, not only upon you, but upon your children
and grandchildren, misfortunes and curses and a shameful defeat.” The
Turks put on an air of innocence, but everyone knew just what to expect
from them.
It was not long before the two armies were standing face to face, for
both sides appeared to be in great haste. Field-Marshal Palffy, with a
small body of men, hazarded a bold ride in order to reconnoitre the
enemy’s position. Their expedition led them through ravines and ditches
and demanded a great deal of courage. Suddenly twenty thousand Turkish
horsemen fell upon Palffy’s company of scarcely two thousand men. In
this rough country retreat and advance were equally dangerous; it was a
desperate situation. But their gallant leader did not lose his head. He
and his men defended themselves bravely and the enemy were badly worsted
in spite of their advantage in numbers; and Palffy got safely back to
Eugene. It now seemed as though the Turks were preparing to besiege
Peterwardein. They dug trenches, threw up earthworks, erected redoubts,
and continually shelled Eugene’s position.
He was not the man to put up quietly with these annoyances for any
length of time. His plan was to attack the enemy before they had become
established in their new position or had seized the means for an
energetic defence. With his characteristic rapidity Eugene made all his
arrangements for an attack. The fourth of August was to be the decisive
day. The Turks must have noticed that something was about to happen.
They were stirring very early; and as it grew lighter, one could see
hill and valley covered with the countless ranks of their hosts.
At seven o’clock in the morning, Eugene’s left wing commenced the
attack. Prince Alexander of Württemberg led the first storming column.
Without meeting with any particular resistance he took one of the
enemy’s batteries, while the imperial cavalry, which followed his
infantry, put the Turkish horsemen to flight. The troops were overjoyed
at this; but the hardest work was still to come. Simultaneously with
this attack, the imperial infantry, which was occupying the other
intrenchments, was to advance on the enemy. In the narrow passages of
the earthworks this manœuvre was not executed with the expected
precision. It took longer to form the ranks outside the intrenchments
than had been expected. Taking advantage of this, the Turks threw
themselves on the advancing enemy in overpowering numbers. With fierce
cries they drove them back, pushing forward with them into the first and
second lines of intrenchments, but were quickly driven out again by the
imperial cavalry, which came dashing up.
The infantry re-formed their ranks and again rapidly advanced. There was
another terrific encounter. The imperial cuirassiers held the advantage;
whatever came within reach was cut down by their terrific blows. The
light Turkish cavalry were scattered like spray before the wind.
However, they still fought with iron endurance and were even successful
here and there. One section of the imperial infantry was repulsed again
and again. The Turks, with loud cries of victory, began the pursuit in
the heat of the fight; but in doing so exposed both of their flanks.
This was the moment for Eugene to strike a decisive blow. With the
rapidity of lightning he threw Heister’s cavalry on the left wing of the
enemy. The battalions of the Prince of Württemberg attacked them on the
right and in the centre; the scattered columns were re-forming for a new
and victorious assault. Attacked from three sides at once with great
fury, shelled by the cannon from the walls of Peterwardein, succumbing
in bloody bayonet fights with their antagonists, and overthrown in a
hand-to-hand struggle with the more powerful German soldiers, the Turks
turned for a hurried flight. After them in furious haste stormed the
German cavalry. Whole regiments were cut down and others taken
prisoners. The Germans assaulted the last stronghold of the Turks, their
wagon-barricade: further resistance was useless.
While the imperial commander Prince Eugene, on horseback and exposed to
all the hardships and dangers of the fight, had been directing the
battle, the Grand Vizier Ali had not for a moment left his tent, where
he had been standing immovable beside the sacred banner of the Prophet.
The flight of his troops at last aroused him. With his naked sabre he
went to meet the fleeing men and cut down several of them. He implored,
he commanded, he cursed them. All in vain. The current of flight and
defeat was not to be stemmed. He then placed himself at the head of his
bodyguard, plunged into the tide of battle, and soon fell mortally
wounded. His defeated and disorganized army hastened on to Belgrade.
Temesvar was taken by the Austrians. Eugene had occasion once more to
hold a thanksgiving service on the field of battle.
Eugene’s victory at Peterwardein caused great enthusiasm throughout the
whole of Europe. The Savoyard was the fêted hero of young and old,
aristocrat and humble citizen. While the blessings of the whole German
people were following him on his path of victory, the monarchs of Europe
were vying with one another in offering him tokens of their admiration
and gratitude. The Pope presented him with a consecrated hat and sword,
and Marshal Villars honored the famous hero of Peterwardein with a
personal letter.
Although the defeat of the Turks had been so complete and so terrible,
they could not rest until they tried their luck in a second campaign.
The whole of Europe rejoiced over this news, not doubting that the old
arch-enemy of Christendom would now receive his death-blow. Young nobles
and the chief princes flocked to the imperial standards in order to join
in the fight against the Turks and to study the art of war under
Eugene’s leadership. As usual, he was now prompt and ready. On the ninth
of June, 1717, he set out from Peterwardein; on the fourteenth he was at
Pancsova; and on the fifteenth and sixteenth the imperial army crossed
the Danube. He purposed no less a feat than “to reconquer for the
Emperor” the fortress of Belgrade, which was garrisoned by thirty
thousand picked Turkish troops. This was an extremely hazardous
undertaking, for two hundred thousand Turks under command of the Grand
Vizier Chalis of Adrianople were already on their way to interfere with
his plans. But in spite of this, the Christian army was in good spirits,
and their confidence was absolute in their general, who was bold, as
well as gifted, and seasoned in battle.
This occasion again brought into play all the resources of Eugene’s
genius. He had to prepare for defence in two directions: first, against
a sortie of the garrison; and secondly, against an attack from the
Turkish army of relief. For this purpose he protected his camp by
quickly constructed fort-like walls, deep, wide trenches, earthworks,
and rifle-pits. At the same time he caused exits to be made in the
principal wall here and there, so that in case of danger from the
outside, his men would be able to reach the open field quickly. He
bridged over the morasses, caused the sconce of the Semlin bridge on the
Banat side of the Danube to be garrisoned, the island in the Danube at
Belgrade to be protected by redoubts—in short he did everything that
forethought and care could suggest to hold off and if possible to crush
an enemy possessing three times his strength.
In the midst of these extensive preparations for the battle Eugene was
surprised by a fearful natural catastrophe. A mighty hurricane broke
loose, tearing the heavy iron chains that bound the ships, as though
they had been hempen ropes, destroying the bridges which had been
constructed, and dashing the Austrian and Turkish vessels lying in the
Danube into a confused heap. Taking advantage of this disturbance, ten
thousand Turks crossed the Save to take the Austrian intrenchments. An
unexampled confusion took possession of the Germans; but a Hessian
captain, quickly gathering together his half company, threw himself
against the numerous advancing foes. He had the courage and good fortune
to be able to hold his ground until two grenadier companies hurried to
the scene and drove back the enemy. While this event was taking place,
the janissaries had fixed their attention upon the Austrian
intrenchments. With resounding cries to Allah they were soon inside,
massacring the bewildered Austrian soldiers, but were as quickly
surprised by two hundred and fifty cuirassiers, who came dashing up to
ride them down or drive them into the angry waters of the Danube. At the
same time the imperial batteries opened a murderous fire on Belgrade.
Large sections of the fortifications were levelled to the ground, and
the water-front of the city was laid in ruins. Then the news was brought
to Prince Eugene that Chalis was approaching with reinforcements. At
first, merely a rumor to which little credence was given, it soon turned
out to be a fact. Hussars and Servians began to arrive at the
fortifications, which had already been occupied by their forerunners,
the light Turkish Cavalry skirmishers.
A few days later, Eugene had the foe before and behind him. Shelled from
all sides, Eugene needed great coolness. Thousands would have lost their
heads in such a situation. His resolution was taken. While a very small
part of his army kept guard over Belgrade, with the remaining forty
thousand men he boldly challenged the Grand Vizier Chalis. Eugene’s
situation at Belgrade recalls in many respects that of Werder at
Belfort. The infantry formed the centre, the cavalry was posted on the
wings. No one could deceive himself as to the seriousness of the
situation. There were but two courses open; to conquer, or to die! And
in a council of war Eugene said plainly enough: “Either I shall gain
possession of Belgrade or the Turks will take me.”
The officers were commanded to give their orders coolly and quietly,
without shouting or showing impatience. Neither officer nor soldier was
allowed to leave his appointed place, and no one on pain of death should
seek for spoils or plunder. Lastly, the soldiers were reminded that they
had to do with Turks, Tartars, and enemies of that sort, from whom there
was little to fear if they were met with due coolness and firmness.
Shortly after midnight the regiments moved out of the intrenchments to
place themselves in battle array.
It was a cold, clear night in August, so the Turks could observe the
marching of the troops. It was not until nearly daylight that a fog
covered the landscape, so dense that the nearest objects could not be
distinguished. Enveloped in this gray veil the Austrians advanced on the
Turkish fortifications. The fog was now so thick that in spite of all
precautions Palffy’s cavalry lost their way. As the infantry had orders
to follow the cavalry, they also got too far to the right. In this way
an empty space was left in the centre, which the Turks immediately
filled out with several battalions, so that they were in the midst of
the Austrian position.
Thus the battle began; and soon the whole right wing was involved in a
bitter fight. Palffy’s cavalry were worthy of all honor; every one of
them fought like a hero, but against such overwhelming numbers their
destruction was certain. It was General von Mercy who hurried to the
relief of his brothers-in-arms; the gallant Starhemberg also, with his
infantry, was not behindhand. With irresistible energy the battalions
attacked the enemy at the front, and the cavalry fell upon his flank.
Such an onslaught could not be sustained for any length of time. The
Turks fled, leaving their batteries in the hands of the Austrians.
[Illustration: _PRINCE EUGENE
at Belgrade_]
During this fighting on the right wing, the battle broke out gradually
along the whole line. The fog had become still denser and more
impenetrable. Both sides fired without being able to see one another. In
slow marching order the Austrian infantry moved forward. Coming upon the
Turkish trenches they took them quickly by storm and crossed over upon
the corpses of their foes.
In other parts of the great battle-field the Turks were gaining the
advantage. A large body of their troops, led astray by the fog, found
itself again between the two separated wings of the Austrians. That
meant some desperate fighting. Toward eight o’clock in the morning a
light breeze at last scattered the mists which, until now, had hidden
the battle-field.
A single glance over the confused panorama showed Eugene the fearful
danger in which he stood. It was such moments as these, however, which
demonstrated his greatness. With him decision and execution were one.
The enemy must not be allowed to make use of their advantage. Prince von
Bevern received orders to throw himself impetuously upon them with the
second division; Eugene at the head of the united cavalry regiments
stormed their flanks. The Turks defended themselves lustily, especially
as they had now discovered, too late, their favorable position. There
was no power to resist the tremendous onslaught of the Austrians, the
Turks wavered, gave way; the battle line was once more established. And
now the drums rolled, the horns pealed forth, and the flags waved
aloft—the signal for a general attack on the Turkish camp all along the
line.
There were many bleeding heads; there was no holding back on either
side; they surged back and forth. Only one Turkish battery upon a hill
was holding its own. From its eighteen cannon it poured forth death and
destruction upon the advancing Austrians. This must be taken and
silenced. Ten companies of grenadiers and four battalions whose wings
were covered by squadrons of cavalry were assigned the task of taking
the battery by storm. With flying banners and bands playing, marching
close together, shoulder to shoulder as compact as a wall, the brave
fellows pressed forward. They were met by a terrific fire, which tore
deep gaps in their ranks. Regardless of their falling comrades, passing
over their wounded and dead bodies, they pressed onward with loud cries
of victory, and reached the top. Without firing a shot, with lowered
bayonets they charged the enemy (mostly janissaries) like a stormcloud,
until all were cut down and the battery was taken.
It was exactly nine o’clock in the morning when the enemy left their
fortified camp in great haste. The gradually decreasing thunder of the
Austrian cannon accompanied them, but the light cavalry pursued the
defeated Turks. It was a great battle and a great victory! The Turks
lost about twenty thousand men, while Eugene’s loss was but fifteen
hundred. The trophies of war included nearly two hundred cannon, one
hundred and fifty flags, and nine horsetails, not forgetting the
captured treasure in the deserted Turkish camp, consisting of bejewelled
weapons and other articles of luxury.
Eugene sent General Count Hamilton at once with news of the victory to
the Emperor, Charles the Sixth. The anxious suspense of all minds had
been so great on account of Eugene’s dangerous situation that the
rejoicings were unbounded. As Count Hamilton, according to the custom of
that time, after having delivered his message to the Emperor,
accompanied by the pealing tones of the six postillions of “the
Favorite” who rode before him, passed through the Kärnthner gate into
the city, across the moat and by way of the Kohlmarkt to the Castle, the
crowds were so great that the carriage could scarcely make its way
through them. A few days later, Colonel Count Rabutin brought the news
that Belgrade also had surrendered. Nearly six hundred cannon, the whole
flotilla on the Danube, and a great deal of ammunition fell into the
hands of the victors.
One year later, after the Turks had been defeated in several more small
skirmishes and battles, Prince Eugene made peace with them, in the name
of the Emperor, at Passarowitz. Banat, Slavonia, a part of Bosnia,
Servia, and Wallachia passed over to Austria, not forgetting Hungary,
which had been conquered before this. The strangest part of the affair
was, that even the Turkish Sultan could not abstain from showing Eugene
how highly he esteemed him. The Turkish ambassador was instructed to
present the Prince with two Arabian horses, a costly sword, and a
turban. At the same time he accompanied the presents with the
explanation: “The sabre is the symbol of your valor; the others are for
your keen wit, your wise counsel, and wiser execution.”