The identification of the town as Tournai comes from RJB Walker, who describes it as being a view from the north east, 'showing the town hall to the left, the belfry and Tournai cathedral in the centre' (Marlborough House, 1976). Walker also proposes that Laguerre drew his composition from an engraving by P Mortier, published in 1709 and entitled 'Le Siege de Tournay par les Hauts Alliez'; however the engraving (a copy in the British Museum) does not seem close enough to Laguerre to justify a positive identification.

The siege of Tournai, which preceded the Battle of Malplaquet, took two months and cost Marlborough over 5,000 men. This scene, showing an English staff officer with troops marching towards the town, may show the initial march to the town, or perhaps the successful departure once it has been captured, and the beginning of the journey to Mons.