Napoleon attempted to cross the Danube by island hopping using pontoon bridges. By 1500hrs on the 21st May he had managed to get Massena's corps supported by Bessieres cavalry onto the north bank of the Danube. The Austrians floated barges and heavy timbers down against the pontoons which were broken, twice seriously, Napoleon's operations were hampered. By the end of the day on the 21st the Austrians were able to contain the French in their bridgehead. Overnight the number of French trops was doubled. The further support of Davout's corps was stopped when the Austrians destroyed one of the bridges with a floating mill. Heavy fighting continued throughout the day but insufficient ammunition was getting across to the French guns. By 1900 hrs Napoleon had decided to withdraw all troops from the north bank and to hold Lobau island. The evacuation was completed over night 22nd/23rd.

Aspern and Essling were two villages about five miles due east of Vienna, on the other bank of the Danube. The island of Lobau was about one and a half miles south of the villages. (Austria)

Austrian Army

Number engaged :

95,800

Casualties :

23,400 (24.43%)

French Army

Number engaged :

70,000

Casualties :

21,000 (30.00%)