Battle Plans
Archduke Charles had already made preparations for a French attack, occupying the strategic village of Caldiero, through which passed the main Lombardian road ('the Verona road') and deploying no less than 58 cannons and 24 mortars. The Austrian forces were divided into three main groups: to the right, Simbschen occupied the heights of Colognola and the ravine of San Zeno, where his cavalry was massed; in the centre, General Bellegarde covered the Verona road, holding the entrenchments north of the road as well as Monte Rocca and Ponterotta, to the south of the road; the left was formed by Prince Reuss-Plauen's forces, which extended the Austrian line to Chiavighette and had the detached division of General Nordmann cover the Adige in front of Chiavica del Christo.
Upon reconnoitering the Austrian position, Masséna drew up his plan. General Gardanne was to form the apex of the army, deploying his forces on both sides of the Verona road, supported by Partouneaux's reserve, d'Espagne's cavalry and a part of Mermet's dragoons; to the left Molitor's division would deploy close to Ca dell'Ara and would set out to take the heights of Colognola; to the right, Duhesme would march on Gombione in order to fall upon Caldiero, but he was ordered to make his move towards midday; finally general Verdier would cross the Adige at Perzacco and turn the enemy left, with the support of Pully's cavalry while the rest of Mermet's cavalry would ensure contact with Verdier.
Read more about this topic: Battle Of Caldiero (1805)
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