Battle of Bouin

The Battle of Bouin took place on 6 December 1793 during the War in the Vendée. It occurred on the island of Bouin and opposed Republican troops of the Army of the West to Vendéan forces commanded by François de Charette.

The engagement formed part of a Republican offensive launched in November from Nantes and Les Sables-d'Olonne, with the objective of retaking the island of Noirmoutier, which had been captured by the Vendéans in October. Following several defeats inflicted by the columns of Generals Haxo and Dutruy, Charette attempted to withdraw to Noirmoutier but was unable to do so and became encircled on the island of Bouin.

The assault was launched on the morning of 6 December 1793 by three Republican columns, which breached the Royalist defenses and secured control of the island within a few hours. During the operation, several hundred Patriot prisoners were freed, and the insurgents’ artillery and horses were captured. Despite sustaining significant losses, the forces commanded by François de Charette avoided destruction and withdrew across the marshes. A few days later, they resumed operations in the bocage. On 12 December, Charette was elected generalissimo of the Catholic and Royal Army of Lower Poitou.