Siege of Mons (1746)

The siege of Mons was an engagement from 7 June to 23 July 1746 during the War of the Austrian Succession. The town of Mons, then part of the Austrian Netherlands, was besieged by a French army corps commanded by Louis François, Prince of Conti. The Austrian and Dutch defenders surrendered the town of Mons on 10 July, while the citadel fell to the French on 23 July.

Siege of Mons
Part of the War of the Austrian Succession
A plan of the siege of Mons in 1746
Date 7 June – 23 July 1746 Location Mons, Austrian Netherlands (Present-day Belgium) Result French victory
Belligerents
France	Austria Dutch Republic
Commanders and leaders
Prince of Conti Duke of Boufflers Count of Estrées	Count of Nava
Strength
One corps	Twelve battalions

Background

Following the capture of Brussels by Maurice de Saxe in February 1746, a council of war was held in the city to determine the next French course of action. Against the advice of Saxe, Louis XV endorsed the plan of the Prince of Conti to continue operations by taking the towns of Mons and Charleroi. Saxe had advocated for open battle with the Austrians, rather than siege warfare.

Siege

Mons was defended by twelve battalions, at least half of which were Dutch. Conti, who arrived outside the town on 7 June, directed Joseph Marie de Boufflers and the Count of Estrées to lead the French siege force. The trench in front of Mons was opened during the night of 24 to 25 June. On the 10 July, a double attack, one at the Porte de Berthamont and one at the Porte de Nimy, forced the surrender of the town to Conti. The citadel (the fort-annex of Saint-Ghislain) was not included in the capitulation of the town. The siege continued until the citadel succumbed to French attacks on 23 July.