So, here we are, just over two years since my figures for the Tyrolean rebels were first started. Although more progress is to be made, there now exists enough of the Tyrolean peasants to fight off their sworn enemies; the French and Bavarians, (with significant help from Austria).
Many of the actions in the region were relatively small affairs - ranging from a few hundred to several thousand men, pitted in, often unequal clashes. Some were fought against fortified garrisons and other through the various towns and villages of the region.
The whole campaign started in April 1809 and was finalised by the end of the year.
The first engagement was the 11th of April 1809 at Sterzing between Bavarian forces under Donnersberg and the peasant "army" under Hofer. This was part of simultaneous attacks at Innsbruck, Brixen and around the Inn valley between 11th and 13th April.
Andreas Hofer managed to gather around 5000 peasants variously armed who overwhelmed the Bavarian 4th light battalion at Sterzing and seriously demoralised the Bavarian command.
While at the capital Innsbruck, von Kinkel with 11th Infantry Regt. of two battalions, two squadrons of Nr.1 dragoons and three guns were caught unaware by the Tyrolean force and retreated to safer ground.
Similar outcomes were experienced at Brixen, where, Wrede commanding the 2nd light battalion, a company of the 4th light and one squadron of Nr.1 dragoons with 2 guns was defeated by the locals.
While Bernclau commanding the 3rd light battalion was attacked and pushed back along the Hall to Worgel road.
However, sadly, all French forces under Bisson marching into Innsbruck were captured, (around 3500 men).
The outcome of this auspicious initial uprising was that the Bavarians lost around 500 men, dead or wounded and had 3000 captured with the loss of five guns and two colours. The Tyrolean casualties were unknown but thought to be slight.
The biggest disappointment for the rebels was that they thought the Austrian regular army would contribute, but this was not to be since they were drawn eastwards to Aspern, Wagram, Raab and Znaim, thus for the time being, they were on their own.
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