about midday, August 13, 1704
Tallard 's centre was weak , as he had crowded no fewer than seventeen battalions into the village of Blenheim , on his extreme right and close to the bank of the great river . `` Now , gentlemen , to your posts . '' These words , quietly and pleasantly spoken by Marlborough , began the great battle of Blenheim . It was about midday , August 13 , 1704 . The Duke had been waiting till he heard that Prince Eugene was ready , and he had occupied the interval in breakfast and prayers . Every man of his division was provided with a good meal . He himself had attended divine service and had received the sacrament the evening before .