Siege of Lille (1708)
The city of Lille with the citadel
| date | August 12, 1708 to December 10, 1708 |
|---|---|
| place | Lille |
| output | Defeat of France |
| consequences | The French lose their most important fortress in North Flanders |
| Parties to the conflict | |
|---|---|
| Commander | |
| Troop strength | |
| 16,000 garnission, 100,000 in the area |
35,000 besiegers, 75,000 in the area |
| losses | |
|
16,000 dead or wounded |
|
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The siege of Lille (old-German Ryssel ) during the War of the Spanish Succession lasted from August 12 to December 10, 1708. At that time, Lille was the last great French fortress in north Flanders. After 120 days, the commander of the city and fortress Lille Boufflers had to surrender to the troops under the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy . Because of their brave fight, the last French were allowed to withdraw in full honor.
The siege was known in its time for the powder incident ( l'affaire des poudres ): the Chevalier de Luxembourg and 2000 horsemen got through the Allied siege ring . They were able to bring 40,000 pounds of much needed gunpowder into town.
The siege was made possible by the catastrophic defeat of the French army in the battle of Oudenaarde and the landing of allied supplies in the port of Ostend . Equipped with ammunition and food, she then triumphed in the battle of Wijnendale . Most of the time the troops were under the command of Eugen, Marlborough secured the surrounding area. But for a short time in late September Eugene was ill and Marlborough commanded the besiegers and the security forces.
On October 22nd, the Allies stormed the city. 12,000 attackers lost their lives in the process. But the commander Boufflers continued to defend the citadel of Lille . The fight lasted weeks and cost the Allies another 4,000 victims. All attempts by the French army to relieve the precious fortress were in vain.
But the valiant resistance of the commander and the genius of the fortress builder Vauban made the Allies pay a heavy toll in blood . In addition, the troops could no longer operate against France in winter.
The loss of Lille weakened the French in northern Flanders. The Allies now attacked Ghent , which they occupied at the end of December. The next attempt to advance into central France would end in the battle of Malplaquet .