Battle of Alexandria (1801)

The Battle of Alexandria was a significant engagement fought on March 21, 1801, between French forces under General Jacques-François Menou and British forces under Sir Ralph Abercromby, near the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. The battle was a pivotal moment in the British campaign to expel Napoleon Bonaparte's army from Egypt, which Napoleon had conquered in 1798.

The battle unfolded after Abercromby landed his troops at Aboukir Bay on March 8, 1801, and advanced towards Alexandria. The French initially attempted to disrupt the landing but were unsuccessful. Menou, who had taken command after the assassination of Jean-Baptiste Kléber, massed his forces outside Alexandria to confront the British advance.

The fighting was fierce and characterized by heavy casualties on both sides. The French launched a series of attacks, particularly against the British right flank, but the British infantry, supported by artillery and naval gunfire, held their ground. Sir Ralph Abercromby was mortally wounded during the battle but remained on the field long enough to ensure victory.

Ultimately, the British prevailed, forcing the French to retreat into Alexandria. Although the French still held the city and other key positions in Egypt, the Battle of Alexandria significantly weakened their position and undermined their ability to resist further.

Following the battle, the British besieged Alexandria, and French forces in Cairo surrendered to a combined British-Ottoman force in June 1801. Menou eventually surrendered Alexandria in September 1801, effectively ending the French campaign in Egypt. The Battle of Alexandria thus played a crucial role in restoring Ottoman control over Egypt and thwarting Napoleon's ambitions in the region. The victory also solidified British dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean.