Yves O’Malley made his first trip to the beautiful city of Cremona in Italy, in search of information regarding his ancestors who reputedly distinguished themselves at “The battle for Cremona”. Yves visited the National Library, Biblioteca Statale di Cremona and was met by The Dottoressa Raffaella Barbierato and her staff, who kindly offered an array of information on the Battle. Several books, maps and most importantly a manuscript giving a first hand account of the battle by Francisco Arisi.

The Battle of Cremona or the Surprise of Cremona, is the subject of a multitude of books, stories, poems, and illustrations. It took place on the night of the 31st of January 1702 during the War of the Spanish Succession, between a French force under Maréchal Villeroi, who held Cremona, and an Imperial/Austrian army led by Prince Eugene of Savoy. Prince Eugene managed to persuade a priest named Cuzzoli to open a hidden culvert, allowing more than 400 grenadiers gain access to the city under cover of darkness. These troops seized control of the Saint Margaret Gate, allowing 4,000 Austrian troops led in person by Prince Eugene, to gain access to the city. They took the French by surprise, many were killed as they emerged from their barracks, Maréchal Villeroi being captured in his quarters.

A second and larger force under Prince de Vaudémont had planned to storm the Po gate and the Citadel but was late in arriving. This gave the garrison time to destroy a vital access bridge and to prepare, the assault being repulsed by two units of the Irish Brigade, the Régiment de Dillon and the Régiment de Bourke. 36 Irish soldiers defended the Po gate. This was the key to turning the battle in favour of the French.

Prince Eugene now realised that the Irish were a threat and turned to bribery in the hope of securing victory. He sent Francis McDonnell as messenger who promised the Irish brigades unprecedented wealth if they changed sides. They refused and took McDonnell prisoner. The negotiations gave the French time to regroup and counter-attack; with daylight and a French relief force arriving, Prince Eugene ordered his troops to withdraw.

 

Fig 1. Map of the City 1702 – Fig 2. In 1908 the municipality of Cremona began modernising the City, so little remains today from 1702. – Fig 3. Cremona today.

 

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