Page "Battle of Blenheim" Paragraph 66

" Inform Monsieur Tallard ", replied the Duke, " that, in the position in which he is now, he has no command.

" Nevertheless, as dusk came the Allied commander was anxious for a quick conclusion.

The French infantry fought tenaciously to hold on to their position in Blenheim, but their commander was nowhere to be found.

Clérambault's insistence on confining his huge force in the village was to seal his fate that day.

Realising his tactical mistake had contributed to Tallard's defeat in the centre, Clérambault deserted Blenheim and the 27 battalions defending the village, and reportedly drowned in the Danube while attempting to make his escape.