Battle of Verdun (1792)

For the famous battle in 1916, see Battle of Verdun.

The Battle of Verdun was fought between 29 August and 2 September 1792 between French Revolutionary forces and a Prussian army during the opening months of the War of the First Coalition. The Prussians were victorious, gaining a clear westward path to Paris.^[2]

Battle of Verdun (1792)
Part of the War of the First Coalition
The body of Colonel Beaurepaire leaving Verdun after the battle.
Date 29 August – 2 September 1792[1] Location Verdun, France 49.1608°N 5.3884°E / 49.1608; 5.3884 Result Prussian victory[1]
Belligerents
Kingdom of France	Kingdom of Prussia
Commanders and leaders
Colonel Beaurepaire †	Charles II, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
Strength
4,000[1]	40,000[1]
Location within Europe

Nicolas-Joseph Beaurepaire's statue, on the pont de Verdun in Angers.

Battle

Colonel Nicolas-Joseph Beaurepaire, who had commanded the defense of Verdun, chose death by suicide to avoid the dishonor of surrendering Verdun.

See also

• Battle of Valmy on 20 September 1792, a following battle during the War of the First Coalition
• Unrelated battles, but also at Verdun:
  • Siege of Verdun (1870) in the Franco-Prussian War
  • Battle of Verdun (1916) in World War I