Battle of Turnhout (1831)
In this article, we will delve into the topic of Battle of Turnhout (1831), which has generated great interest and discussion in different areas. In order to fully understand its importance and impact, we will explore its origins, evolution and impact on today's society. Through a detailed analysis, we will examine the various perspectives and opinions that exist around Battle of Turnhout (1831), as well as the possible implications it has in the current context. Likewise, we will delve into relevant case studies that will help to better understand its scope and relevance today. By collecting updated and relevant information, we aim to generate a debate around Battle of Turnhout (1831) that will enrich knowledge and promote deep reflection on this significant topic.
| Battle of Turnhout | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Ten Days' Campaign, and Belgian Revolution | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Netherlands |
 Belgian rebels | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Prince William Saxe-Weimar |
Lieutenant BalfourVan Lieshout  | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 11,000 | 1300 soldiers, number of voluntaires. | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| unknown but less than the Belgians | unknown but more than the Dutch. | ||||||
The Battle of Turnhout took place in 1831, during the Belgian Revolution, a force of 11,000 men attacked Turnhout under General Saksen-Weimar's leadership. The Belgian forces were defeated, and Turnhout surrendered to the Dutch.
Battle
Before the battle there where around 1,300 soldiers stationed in Turnhout. On August 3, 11,000 men gathered on the Ravels hill to prepare for an attack on Turnhout, led by General Saksen-Weimar. Van Geen's division pretended to advance towards Antwerp but planned to attack the city from the west. Two pieces of Belgian artillery were quickly silenced by the Dutch artillery. After a battle, the Belgian forces hastily fled Turnhout, leaving many weapons of the citizen guard behind due to transportation issues. Only a few soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant Balfour, remained and fired a few shots. Soon after, Mayor Van Lieshout initiated negotiations for surrender, having already informed Niellon that he lacked sufficient manpower to defend the city. The first division went on the Turnhout/Antwerp road and stationed themselves in Vosselaar, while the second division occupied Turnhout. The third division, under General Meyer, established their camp in the villages of Arendonk and Retie. Although it is unknown how many people died in Turnhout, it is said that more Belgians died than the Dutch.
References
- ^ van Helvoirt, Jan. "Vuurgevecht op de hei in 1831 tijdens de Belgische Opstand" (PDF) (in Dutch).
- ^ "Een stukje geschiedenis uit 1831..." (in Dutch). 2015-02-26.
- ^ Gedrukte en geschreven stukken betreffende de Leidsche jagers, 1830-1831, verschenen van 1830-1886 (in Dutch). 1876. p. 2.
- ^ Mayor of the city of Turnhout