The Battle Of Maalplake

September 11, 1709

Malplake had been the last great battle of the War for the Spanish Heritage. Since the city of Lille had been lost France was in an extremely exhausted state, so that Ludwig XIV was content to deny not only that war's goal (which had been the Spanish monarchy for his own grandson), but abandon his grip on Elzas. But his allies' demands considered the questions of honour so that he resolved to further struggle. The army's strategical task was to continue the defencive actions. Marshall Villair in command of the French army reached a position near the village of Maalplake which was so close to Mons town fortress sieged by the allies that the latter had but force him out of there first to succesfully go on with the siege. The point had been hastily fortified. The French side encamped 95000 soldiers opposed by 110000 units of allied forces. A strong french column moved through north-western field and got out of track which caused their delay as they could only take part in the final battle. Limited forces of Prince of Oran on the southern field fiercely attacked the French fortifications. the battle resulted in 32000 of lost allies and 12000 French fallen and wounded. The French forces retreated one mile and positioned themselves anew. Although they could not hinder the fall of Mons considering the campaign as a whole, they won that battle.