27,000 Parliamentarians, under Manchester, Leven and Fairfax. For the
first time in the war, Rupert’s cavalry was repulsed by Cromwell’s
Ironsides, and though the right wing under Fairfax was broken, the left
and centre were victorious, and the Royalists were totally defeated,
with a loss of 4,000. This victory gave the Parliament complete control
of the north.
Martinesti (Ottoman Wars).
Fought September 23, 1789, between the Austrians and Russians, 27,000
strong, under the Prince of Coburg and Suwaroff, and the Turks, 80,000
strong, under Osman Pasha. The allies stormed the Turkish entrenchments,
and drove out the defenders, of whom 7,000 were killed and wounded,
while 8,000 were drowned in crossing the Rymna. The victors lost 617
killed and wounded.
Martinique (Wars of the French Revolution).
This island was captured from the French in 1794, by a combined naval
and military force under Sir John Jervis and Sir George Grey, with a
loss to the victors of 6 officers and 37 men killed and wounded.
Martinique (Napoleonic Wars).
Having been restored to France at the Peace of Amiens, Martinique was
again taken by the British, February 24, 1809, the force engaged being
under Admiral Sir A. J. Cochrane, and Lieut.-General Beckwith.
Maserfield.
Fought 642, between the Northumbrians, under Oswald, and the Mercians,
under Penda. The latter were defeated, and Penda slain.
Masulipatam (Seven Years’ War).
This fortress, held by a French garrison, under Conflans, was besieged
by the British, about 2,500 strong, under Colonel Forde, in March, 1759.
After a fortnight’s bombardment the place was taken by storm, the
resistance being very feeble, and Conflans surrendered with his whole
force, which considerably outnumbered the assailants. One hundred and
twenty guns were taken in the fortress.
Matchevitz (First Polish Insurrection).
Fought October 10, 1794, between the Russians, under Baron de Fersen,
and the Poles, under Kosciusko. The Poles, after hard fighting, were
totally defeated, leaving 6,000 dead upon the field, while Kosciusko was
severely wounded.
Matchin (Ottoman Wars).
Fought July 10, 1791, between the Turks, under Yussuf Pasha, and the
Russians, under Prince Repnin. The left and centre of the Turkish army
held its ground manfully, and the victory was long in doubt, but a
brilliant charge of the Russian left, under General Kutusoff, drove back
the Turks who were defeated with heavy loss.
Maxen (Seven Years’ War).
Fought November 21, 1759, between the Austrians, under Marshal Daun, and
the Prussians, under General Finck. Daun surrounded Finck’s position,
and after comparatively little fighting compelled him to surrender with
over 15,000 men, including 17 generals. Seventeen guns were captured.
The casualties on both sides were very small.
Maya (Peninsula War).
Fought July 25, 1813, between a British division, under General Stewart,
and the French divisions of d’Armagnac, Abbé and Maransin. The French,
at a cost of 1,500 men, forced the pass of Maya, driving back the
British with a loss of 1,400 men and 4 guns.
Maypo (South American War of Independence).
Fought April 5, 1818, between the Chilian Patriots, 9,000 strong, under
San Martin, and 6,000 Spanish Royalists, under General Osorio. The
Spaniards were totally defeated with a loss of 1,000 killed and 2,350
prisoners, the Chilians losing over 1,000 killed and wounded. The result
of the battle was the establishment of the independence of Chili.
Medellin (Peninsular War).
Fought March 28, 1809, between the French, under Marshal Victor, and
30,000 Spaniards, under Cuesta. The Spaniards soon gave way, and were
mercilessly sabred in the pursuit by the French cavalry, losing, it is
said, 18,000 killed and wounded. The French lost 300 only.
Medina (Mohammed’s War with the Koreish).
Siege was laid to this town in 625 by 10,000 Koreish, under Abu Sophian.
It was defended by Mohammed with 3,000 Moslems, and during the space of
20 days several half-hearted assaults were easily repulsed. At the end
of this time Abu Sophian withdrew, and the Koreish made no further
attempt to interfere with the progress of Mohammedanism.
Medola (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).
Fought August 5, 1796, between the French, 23,000 strong, under
Napoleon, and 25,000 Austrians, under Wurmser. The Austrians were
totally defeated, and driven back to Roveredo, with a loss of 2,000
killed and wounded, 1,000 prisoners and 20 guns. Prior to this defeat
Wurmser had succeeded in revictualling Mantua, but at very heavy cost,
the Austrian losses during the three days’ fighting, from the 3rd to the
5th, amounting to 20,000 men and 60 guns.
Meeanee (Scinde Campaign).
Fought February 17, 1843, between 2,800 British and native troops, under
Sir Charles Napier, and about 20,000 Beluchis, under the Amirs of
Scinde. The infantry were at one time almost overpowered by the
overwhelming numbers of the enemy, who attacked with great bravery, but
they were rescued by a charge of the 9th Bengal cavalry, who broke up
the assailants, and in the end the Beluchis were routed with a loss of
5,000 men and several guns. The British lost 256 killed and wounded.
Meerut (First Mongol Invasion of India).
This place was besieged in 1398 by the Tartars, under Tamerlane. It was
considered impregnable, and Tamerlane commenced mining operations, but
these methods were too slow for his followers, who by means of scaling
ladders carried the fortress by storm, and massacred all the
inhabitants. Tamerlane afterwards completed his mines and destroyed all
the defences.
Megaletaphrus (First Messenian War).
Fought 740 B.C., between the Messenians, under Aristomenes, and the
Spartans. The Messenians were surrounded and cut to pieces, Aristomenes
escaping with a few followers.
Megalopolis.
Fought B.C. 331, in the attempt of the Spartans, aided by the Arcadians,
Achæans and Eleians, to shake off the Macedonian yoke, during
Alexander’s absence in Asia. The allies, under Agis, King of Sparta,
were besieging Megalopolis, which had declined to join the league, when
they were attacked by the Macedonians, under Antipater, and completely
routed, Agis falling in the battle.
Megalopolis (Wars of the Achæan League).
Fought B.C. 226, between the Spartans, under Cleomenes, and the forces
of the Achæan League, under Aratus. The Achæans early gained an
advantage, and the Spartans fled, pursued by the light troops. These,
however, being unsupported, the Spartans turned and routed them, and
then overwhelmed the Achæan hoplites in their turn with enormous
slaughter.
Melanthias (Sclavonian Invasion).
Fought 559, between the Imperial troops, under Belisarius, and the
Sclavonians and Bulgarians, under Zabergan, Prince of Bulgaria. The
barbarians assailed the Roman lines, but were easily repulsed, and so
precipitate was their flight that only about 500 fell. This was
Belisarius’ last victory, and it was closely followed by his disgrace
and death.
Meldorp.
Fought 1500, between the Danes, 30,000 strong, under John of Denmark,
and the inhabitants of the province of Dithmarsh, which John designed to
bring again under Danish rule, after two centuries of virtual
independence. The advancing Danes delivered an assault against a small
fortified outpost, but were repulsed, and driven in confusion into the
surrounding marshes, where over 11,000 perished.
Melitene (Persian Wars).
Fought 578, between the Imperial troops, under Tiberius, and the
Persians, under Chosroes. After a somewhat indecisive battle, at the end
of which each side had held its ground, Chosroes, owing to his heavy
losses, found it necessary to retire during the night. The battle was,
however, signalised by an exploit of a Scythian chief, in command of the
Roman left wing, who at the head of his cavalry charged through the
Persian ranks, plundered the royal tent, and then cut his way out
through the opposing hosts.
Memphis (Athenian Expedition to Egypt).
This city was captured B.C. 459 by an Athenian fleet of 200 ships, which
sailed up the Nile to the assistance of Inaros, who had raised the
standard of revolt against Persia. The citadel, however, held out until
B.C. 456, when a Persian army, under Megabyzus, defeated the Athenians
and drove them out of Memphis.
Memphis (Moslem Conquest of Egypt).
In 638, Amron, lieutenant of the Caliph Omar, with 8,000 Moslems,
invested the city, and after a siege of seven months, in the course of
which the besiegers were nearly overwhelmed by the rising of the Nile,
the place was taken by assault. On the site of the Moslem encampment
were laid the foundations of Old Cairo.
Memphis (American Civil War).
A river action fought June 6, 1862, between 8 Confederate armed vessels,
under Commodore Montgomery, and 10 Federal gunboats, under Commodore
Davis. Only one of the Confederate vessels escaped destruction, and
Memphis fell.
Mensourah (Fifth Crusade),
Fought 1249, between the French, under Louis IX, and the Moslems. The
town of Mensourah was seized by the Comte d’Artois, but being
surrounded, he and the knights with him were killed. The king meanwhile
had seized the Saracen camp, but was unable to hold his ground, and was
driven back to Damietta. In the course of his retreat, however, he was
surrounded and taken prisoner by the Saracens, with his whole army.
Mentana (Garibaldian Rising).
Fought November 3, 1867, between 10,000 Garibaldians, under Garibaldi,
and the French and Papal troops, 5,000 strong, under General Kanzler.
Garibaldi was totally defeated, a result largely due to the brilliant
work of 1,500 Papal Zouaves, who drove them out of position after
position. The Garibaldians lost 1,100 killed and wounded, and 1,000
prisoners. The allies’ losses were only 182 killed and wounded, of which
the Papal troops lost 144.
Merida (Moorish Empire in Spain).
This place was besieged in 712 by 18,000 Moors, under Musa. After a
defeat in the open plain before the city, the Spaniards made a long and
obstinate defence, which cost the besiegers many lives, but in the end
they were forced by famine to surrender.
Merseburg.
Fought 934 between the Germans, under Henry the Fowler, and the
Hungarian invaders. The Hungarians were completely defeated, with heavy
loss, and withdrew from Germany, which they did not again invade for
twenty years.
Merta (Mogul Invasion of the Deccan).
This strong fortress, belonging to the Rajput Rajah of Malwar, was
besieged, 1561, by Sharf-ud-Din Hussein, one of the generals of Akbar,
the Great Mogul. The place held out gallantly for several months, but
was then forced by famine to capitulate. One of the Malwar chiefs,
however, refused all terms, and cut his way out at the head of 500 men,
of whom 250 fell in the enterprise.
Merton (Danish Invasion).
Fought 871, between the West Saxons, under Alfred, and the Danish
invaders. After a severe engagement the Danes were victorious.
Messina.
Fought October 2, 1284, between the Sicilian and Catalan fleet, under
the Grand Admiral, Roger de Lauria, and the French fleet, under Charles
of Anjou. The Sicilians, who largely outnumbered the French, totally
defeated them, burning or destroying practically the whole of their
fleet. Charles of Anjou was captured, and henceforth made no further
attempt to re-establish his authority in Sicily.
Messina.
_See_ Cape Passaro.
Metaurus (Second Punic War).
Fought 207 B.C., between 50,000 Romans, under Claudius Nero and Marcus
Livius, and the Carthaginians, in rather smaller force, under Hasdrubal.
The Carthaginians were surprised at early dawn as they were endeavouring
to find a ford in the Metaurus, and being vigorously attacked, were
totally routed, Hasdrubal being slain. The completeness of the victory
was due to Nero, who being in command of the right wing, where the
ground prevented his getting to close quarters, and seeing the Roman
left hard pressed by Hasdrubal’s best troops, led the major part of his
force round the Roman rear, and fell upon Hasdrubal’s right, routing him
utterly.
Methuen (Scottish Wars).
Fought June 19, 1306, when a small Scottish force, under Robert Bruce,
was attacked and defeated by the English in superior force.
Metz (Franco-German War).
This fortress was invested by the Germans after the defeat of Bazaine at
Gravelotte in August 18, 1870, and after several fruitless attempts to
break through the German lines had been repulsed, Bazaine surrendered to
Prince Frederick Charles on October 26, with 3 marshals, 6,000 officers,
and 173,000 men. The Germans took 56 eagles. 622 field guns, 72
mitrailleuses, 376 pieces of fortress artillery, and about 300,000
rifles.
Mexico (Conquest of Mexico).
Fought June 20, 1520, when the Spaniards, under Cortez, who were
evacuating Mexico during the night, were attacked by the Aztecs, and
suffered heavy loss. The Spaniards called this event the “Noche Triste.”
Michelberg (Campaign of the Danube).
Fought October 16, 1805. Ney’s corps stormed the heights of the
Michelberg at the same time that Lannes carried the Frauenberg, driving
the Austrians back into Ulm, where on the 17th General Mack capitulated
with 30,000 men.
Middelburg (Netherlands War of Independence).
This fortress, the last stronghold in Walcheren to hold out for the
Spanish king, was besieged by the Patriots in the winter of 1593. It was
defended by a garrison under Colonel Mondragon, who in spite of a
gallant resistance and numerous attempts to relieve him, was forced by
famine to surrender, February 18, 1594.
Milazzo (Unification of Italy).
Fought July 18, 1860, between the Italian Volunteers, under Garibaldi,
and the Neapolitans, under General Bosco. The Neapolitans occupied a
strongly entrenched position, which Garibaldi succeeded in turning, the
Neapolitans, after a severe struggle, being totally defeated and driven
out.
Miletopolis (First Mithridatic War).
Fought B.C. 86, between the Romans, under Flavius Fimbria, and the
Pontic troops, under Mithridates. The Romans gained a complete victory.
Millesimo (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).
Fought April 13, 1796, when the divisions of Augereau, Masséna and La
Harpe attacked the Austrians, strongly entrenched, under General Colli,
and after severe fighting, drove them back, thus cutting Colli’s
communications with General Beaulieu, the Austrian Commander-in-Chief.
The Austro-Sardinians lost about 6,000 men and 30 guns, and all
effective co-operation between the two wings was at an end. Also called
the Battle of Monte Lezino.
Mill Springs (American Civil War).
Fought January 19, 1862, between the Federals, about 9,000 strong, under
General Thomas, and 8,000 Confederates, under General Crittenden. The
Confederates attacked, and at first drove back the Federals, who began
the action with 5,000 men only, but reinforcements arriving. Thomas
repulsed the assailants with considerable loss, capturing 12 guns. The
Federals lost 246 only. This was the first considerable defeat suffered
by the Confederates in the war.
Minden (Seven Years’ War).
Fought August 1, 1759, between the French, 64,000 strong, under the
Marquis de Contades, and the Hanoverians, British and Prussians, 54,000
strong, under Ferdinand of Brunswick. Ferdinand detached a force of
10,000 men to threaten de Contades’ rear, and then, attacking strongly,
broke the first line of the French. But for the failure of the allies’
cavalry to advance, the French would have been routed. As it was, they
were able to rally, and effect an orderly retreat, though with a loss of
7,086 killed, wounded and prisoners, 43 guns and 17 standards. The
allies lost 2,762, fully a half of this number being in the ranks of the
six English regiments present, who bore the brunt of the battle.
Minorca (Seven Years’ War).
This place, garrisoned by 2,800 British troops, under General Blakeney,
was invested by the French, under the Duc de Richelieu, May, 1756. On
May 20, a British squadron of 15 line-of-battle-ships and 3 sloops,
under Admiral Byng, attacked Richelieu’s blockading squadron of 12 sail
of the line and 5 frigates, with the object of throwing succours into
the place. The attack, however, was conducted with so little resolution
and resource, that Byng failed in his object, and allowed the French
ships to escape him. Blakeney was shortly afterwards forced to
surrender, and Byng was tried by court-martial, condemned and shot.
Minorca.
Having been restored to England by the Treaty of Paris in 1762, Minorca
was again recaptured in 1781, by a force of 12,000 French and Spaniards,
the garrison, under General Murray, being only 700 strong. Murray made a
sturdy defence but was forced to surrender.
Miohosaki.
Fought September, 764, between the Japanese rebels, under Oshikatsa, and
the Imperial troops, under Saiki-no-Sanya. The rebels were totally
routed, and Oshikatsa and his son slain.
Miraflores (Peruvio-Chilian War).
Fought January 15, 1881, between the Chilians, under General Baquedano,
and the Peruvians, under General Caceres. The Peruvians were totally
defeated, losing 3,000 killed and wounded, while the victors lost 500
killed and 1,625 wounded. Following up their victory, the Chilians
occupied Lima on the 17th, and the war came to an end.
Missionary Ridge. _See_ Chattanooga.
Missolonghi (Greek War of Independence).
This place was besieged in 1821 by a force of 11,000 Turks, under Omar
Brionis Pasha, and was defended by a small Greek garrison, under
Mavrocordatos. The little garrison made so gallant a defence, that at
the end of two months Omar was forced to raise the siege. On April 27,
1825, the town was again besieged by the Turks and was again most
obstinately defended by the garrison and inhabitants. So little progress
was made that it was found necessary to call for the aid of the Egyptian
army, under Ibrahim, son of Mehemet Ali. It was not, however, till three
months after his arrival before the place that it was finally taken by
storm, April 22, 1826, having held out for all but a year.
Mita Caban.
Fought 1362, between the Tartars, under Tamerlane, and the Getes, under
the Khan Elias. The Getes were routed with heavy loss.
Miyako.
Fought June, 1353, between the revolted Moronoshi, and the troops of the
Emperor of the South, Gomurakami, under Yoshinori. Moronoshi gained a
complete victory, and Yoshinori and the Emperor fled into the Eastern
provinces.
Miyako.
Fought December 30, 1391, between the troops of the provinces of Idzumo
and Idzumi, under Mitsuyaki, and those of the Emperor of the South,
Gokameyama. A series of engagements took place in and around Miyako, and
in the end Mitsuyaki was driven off with heavy loss, among the killed
being the Daimio of Idzumi.
Modder River (Second Boer War).
Fought November 28, 1899, between a Boer force, about 9,000 strong,
under General Cronje, and the British, under Lord Methuen. Cronje held a
strong position on both banks of the river, which was not accurately
known to Lord Methuen, who was marching to the Modder. His columns came
under fire about 7 a.m., and the action lasted till evening, when a
turning movement enabled him to drive Cronje from his entrenchments. The
British losses were 24 officers and 461 men killed and wounded, those of
the Boers being about the same.
Mohacz (Ottoman Wars).
Fought August 29, 1526, between 30,000 Hungarians, under King Lewis, and
Tomore, Bishop of Kolocz, and over 100,000 Turks, with 300 guns, under
Solyman the Magnificent. The Hungarians made a heroic resistance against
overwhelming numbers, but were finally routed, leaving 22,000 dead on
the field, including the king, 7 bishops, 28 magnates, and over 500
nobles. This disaster placed Hungary at the mercy of Solyman, and was
quickly followed by the fall of Buda-Pesth.
Mohacz (Ottoman Wars).
On the battlefield where 160 years previously Solyman had gained so
decisive a victory, the Austrians and Hungarians signally defeated the
Turks, under Mohammed IV, in 1687. In consequence of this disaster,
following upon a long series of reverses, Mohammed was deposed by the
discontented soldiery.
Mohilev (Moscow Campaign).
Fought July 23, 1812, between 28,000 French, under Davoust, and 60,000
Russians, under Prince Bagration. Bagration attacked Davoust in a strong
position, which counter-balanced the great disparity of numbers, and the
Russians were repulsed with a loss of about 4,000. The French lost
barely 1,000.
Mohrungen (Campaign of Friedland).
Fought January 25, 1807, between 10,000 French, under Bernadotte, and
14,000 Russians, under General Marhof. The French were defeated with a
loss of about 1,000 killed and wounded.
Molino del Rey (Peninsular War).
Fought December 21, 1808, between 26,000 French, under General St. Cyr,
and the Spaniards, about equal in strength, under Reding. The Spaniards
were routed with a loss of 10,000 killed, wounded and prisoners, and 50
guns, at very slight cost to the victors.
Molwitz (War of the Austrian Succession).
Fought April 8, 1741, between the Prussians, 30,000 strong, under
Frederick the Great, and the Austrians, under Marshal Neuperg. Frederick
surprised the Austrian general, and, after severe fighting, drove him
from his entrenchments, with a loss of about 5,000 killed, wounded and
prisoners. The Prussians lost 2,500.
Monarda (Moorish Insurrection).
Fought March 18, 1501, between the Spaniards, under the Count di
Cifuentes and Alonso de Aguilar, and the insurgent Moors. The Spaniards
were largely outnumbered, and were overpowered by the rebels, suffering
a disastrous defeat. De Aguilar was killed, fighting to the end.
Monongahela (Seven Years’ War).
Fought July 9, 1755, between 900 French and Indians, under
Contrecœur, and about 1,400 British and Virginians, under Braddock.
The English were attacked shortly after crossing the river, and though
the officers and the Virginians fought gallantly, the troops, ignorant
of Indian warfare, gave way to panic, and after three hours’ fighting,
were driven across the Monongahela, with a loss of 877 killed and
wounded. Of 86 officers, 63 fell, including Braddock, who was mortally
wounded. The French lost 16 only; their Indian allies somewhat more
heavily.
Mons-en-Puelle (Flemish War).
Fought 1304, between the French, under Philip IV, and the Flemings. The
Flemings were unable to withstand the charge of the French cavalry, and
broke and fled, leaving 6,000 dead on the field.
Montcontour (Third Civil War).
Fought October 3, 1569, between the Huguenots, under Henri le Béarnais,
and the Catholics, under the Duc d’Anjou and Marshal de Tavannes. The
Huguenots occupied an untenable position, and at the end of half an hour
were utterly routed, and almost exterminated, some 700 only remaining
with the colours after the battle.
Monte Aperto (Guelfs and Ghibellines).
Fought September 4, 1260, between the Florentine Guelfs, and the
Ghibellines, who had been driven from the city, under Manfred of Sicily.
The Guelfs were totally routed, and the victors took possession of
Florence, and re-established their rule.
Montebello (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).
Fought June 9, 1800, between the French, under Napoleon, and the
Austrians, under General Ott. Napoleon, being ignorant of the fall of
Genoa, was marching to the relief of that city, when his advanced guard,
under Lannes, was attacked by Ott, who was endeavouring to effect a
junction with Melas. Lannes held his ground until reinforcements
arrived, when he assumed the offensive, and drove the Austrians from the
field with heavy loss, capturing 5,000 prisoners.
Montebello (Franco-Austrian War).
Fought May 20, 1859, between the Austrians, under General Stadion, and
about 7,000 French, under General Forey. The Austrians were defeated and
driven back to Stradella, with a loss of 2,000 killed and wounded, and
200 prisoners.
Monte Caseros (Urquiza’s Rising).
Fought February 3, 1852, between the Argentine Government troops, under
President Rosas, the leader of the Gaucho party, 25,000 strong, and
20,000 insurgents, under Urquiza. Rosas was totally defeated, and
compelled to fly to England, thus ending the long domination of the
Gauchos in the Argentine Republic.
Monte Lezino.
_See_ Millesimo.
Montenotte (Napoleon’s Italian Campaigns).