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Battle and Siege of Milazzo -- War of the Quadruple Alliance

This rare battle plan map depicts the fortifications and strategic elements of the town of Melazzo (Milazzo) in the Kingdom of Sicily, during the War of the Quadruple Alliance.  Following the re-capture of Sardinia and virtually all of Sicily by King Philip V of Spain, the war saw the formation of an alliance between Great Britain, France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Dutch Republic against Spain, which sought to regain Spanish territories lost in previous conflicts.  

Produced from an apparently unknown source, this map illustrates the Siege of Milazzo, depicting the fortifications and strategic elements of the town during the conflict between Spanish and Austro-Piedmontese forces.  

The map details the extensive fortifications surrounding Milazzo, including walls, bastions, and defensive structures that were crucial during the siege. The lines of fire are meticulously marked, indicating the directions and ranges of artillery fire used by the defending forces to repel the Austro-Piedmontese attackers. The layout includes the town's streets, buildings, and key defensive positions, providing a comprehensive overview of the siege operations. 

On October 15, 1718, the Austrians launched a surprise attack on the Spanish near Milazzo. Despite being taken by surprise, two Spanish Dragoon regiments, Batavia and Lusitania, managed to halt the attack, buying time for the rest of the Spanish army to deploy. The Spanish forces, under the leadership of the Marquis of Lede, counterattacked and pushed back the Austrians, causing significant casualties. The Austrians suffered approximately 1,500 killed or wounded and had 300 taken prisoner, while Spanish losses were about 1,500 killed or wounded and 200 captured.  

The ensuing Siege lasted until May 1719.

The Siege of Milazzo

 The Siege of Milazzo was a significant military engagement during the War of the Quadruple Alliance, marking the attempt of Philip V of Spain to reconquer territories in Italy, including Milazzo, which had been lost by Spain in 1713. The siege lasted from July 1718 to May 1719, involving fierce combat between Spanish forces and the Austro-Piedmontese troops. 

Frustrated by the loss of his Italian possessions after the War of the Spanish Succession, King Philip V of Spain sought to reclaim these territories. In August 1717, he invaded Sardinia, and by July 1718, Spanish forces had also landed in Sicily. This move took advantage of the power vacuum in France following the death of Louis XIV and Austria's preoccupation with the Austro-Turkish War (1716-1718). However, the Treaty of Passarowitz, signed on 21 July 1718, ended Austria's conflict with Turkey, allowing Austria to refocus on the Spanish threat. Consequently, the Quadruple Alliance was formed on 2 August 1718 between Austria, Britain, the Dutch Republic, and France to counter Spain's ambitions. 

Spanish forces, commanded by the Marquis of Lede, numbering around 30,000 men, had swiftly taken control of most of Sicily, except for the area around Messina, which was besieged starting on 18 July 1718. On 11 August, the British fleet led by Sir George Byng defeated the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Cape Passaro, severely weakening Spanish naval power in the region. Following this, on 13 October, the British fleet landed an Austrian army near Milazzo, assembled in Naples by the Austrian Viceroy Count Wirich Philipp von Daun. 

On 15 October 1718, the Austrians launched a surprise attack on the Spanish forces near Milazzo. The initial Austrian assault, conducted in the early morning, aimed to catch the Spanish off guard. Despite being taken by surprise, two Spanish Dragoon regiments, Batavia and Lusitania, managed to halt the attack, sacrificing many men but buying crucial time for the rest of the Spanish army to deploy. The Spanish forces, under the leadership of the Marquis of Lede, counterattacked, pushing back the Austrians and causing significant casualties. The Austrians suffered approximately 1,500 killed or wounded and had 300 taken prisoner, while Spanish losses were about 1,500 killed or wounded and 200 captured. 

Despite the initial success at Milazzo, the Spanish did not fully capitalize on their advantage to drive the Austrians completely from Sicily. Instead, they maintained the siege of Messina, which eventually fell to the Spanish. However, the Austrian foothold around Milazzo, bolstered by their naval supremacy after the Battle of Cape Passaro, allowed them to reinforce their positions. This strategic position enabled the Austrians to send more troops the following year, culminating in the Battle of Francavilla.