BATTLE OF TURIN 1706. MAP OF THE LAST STANDING OF THE FRENCH ARMY - Part 1

The ultimate goal is to produce a book on the Battle of Turin 1706, bringing together all the information I have collected over the years. An important part of this work will consist of a series of maps.

In this case, I have sought to reconstruct the French defensive line as it stood at approximately 1.00 p.m. on 7 September 1706. The map also serves to illustrate the actual positions of the Troops of the Duchy of Monferrat—namely one battalion of the Gardes du Duc de Mantoue and one battalion of the Beltrambi Regiment.

Moreover, for the first time, it identifies the French and Spanish units that did not take a direct part in the Battle of Turin itself but were instead assigned to garrison the line of circumvallation.

As I will show later, although these troops were not directly engaged in the main battle, some of them—particularly the infantry units—ultimately sacrificed themselves to ensure the survival of the French army. Their conduct displayed a remarkable degree of courage and determination, one that, in my opinion, should lead to a reassessment of the commonly held view of the Monferrat troops (including that presented on Kronoskaf by my friend Richard).

By bringing together a wide range of information, supported by several illustrative maps, and through a careful reading, re-reading and interpretation of the available sources, I have been able to reconstruct the defensive deployment of de Muret's troops. These forces formed the final barrier against the Imperial army which, having broken through the initial entrenched line, poured onto the retreating Bourbon army while it was simultaneously caught in a pincer movement by the garrison of the City of Turin, which seized the opportunity to launch a sortie against its rear.

This therefore represents another episode of the famous battle, distinct from the one I have already examined concerning the assault on the Castle of Lucento. It sheds further light on the final stages of the Battle of Turin and on the crucial role played by the troops covering the French retreat.

complete map

Map with the rearguard troops.