In 1790, the Turks, driven out of Wallachia by the Russians and Austrians, defeated the troops of Prince Coburg at the siege of Giurgiu following a successful sortie.

However, having decided to firmly occupy Kalafat, 8,000–12,000 men crossed the river once more and entrenched themselves on the hills near the village on 24 June whilst 7 ships with guns, the so-called “gulls”, were located on the flanks of the trenches.

Clerfayt decided to force 10 battalions and 8 divisions of cavalry to push the Ottomans from the Danube and at 5am on 26 June he appeared in front of the Turkish camp, ordering the infantry in two lines.

Gunfire started the fight but had little effect on the Janissaries behind the redoubts, and Clerfayt ordered the infantry to attack immediately to give the Turks no time to call in further reinforcements from Vidin.

However, just as the battalions began to move, Sipahis appeared on the adjacent heights to surround the Austrian soldiers on the left flank.