Batallas SYW

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Ao 1755 1755 1756 1756 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757 1757
Fecha 9 Julio 8 Sept 20 May 1 Oct 21 Abril 6 Mayo 18 Junio 26 Julio 13 Ago 30 Ago 7 Sept 5 Nov 22 Nov 5 Dic 4 Feb 23 Jun /10/21
Area Accion Contrincantes America Monongahela (Emboscada) British/French America Combat of Lake George British/French Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa India India Caribe Battle of Minorca Battle of Lobositz Combat of Reichenberg Battle of Prague Battle of Kolin Battle of Hastenbeck Combat of Landshut (1st) Battle of Gross-Jgersdorf Combat of Moys Battle of Rossbach Battle of Breslau Battle of Leuthen Combat of Calcutta Battle of Plassey Combat of Cap-Franois British/French Austrian/Prussian Austrian/Prussian Austrian/Prussian Austrian/Prussian Allied/French Austrian/Prussian Prussian/Russian Austrian/Prussian Franco-Imperial/Prussian Austrian/Prussian Austrian/Prussian British/Indian British/Indian British/French
Resultado French victory British victory French naval victory Prussian victory Prussian victory Prussian victory Austrian victory French victory Austrian victory Draw Austrian victory Prussian victory Austrian victory Prussian victory Indian marginal victory British victory Draw Alliedvictory Austrian victory (presently French victory Allied victory Draw French victory Prussian victory Swedish victory French victory French victory Austrian victory Prussian victory French naval victory British naval victory Britishvictory French victory French victory
1758 06/23 Europa Battle of Krefeld Allied/French 1758 06/28-30 Europa Combats near Domstadtl Austrian/Prussian depicted in the article on the siege of Olmtz) 1758 07/23 Europa Combat of Sandershausen French/Hessian 1758 08/05 Europa Combat of Mehr Allied/French 1758 08/25 Europa Battle of Zorndorf Prussian/Russian 1758 09/11 Europa Combat of Saint-Cast British/French 1758 09/26 Europa Engagement of Tarmow Prussian/Swede 1758 09/28 Europa Assault on Fehrbellin Prussian/Swede 1758 09/29 Europa Assault on Bork Allied/French 1758 10/10 Europa Battle of Lutterberg Allied/French 1758/10/14 Europa Battle of Hochkirch Austrian/Prussian 1758/11/18 Europa Combat of Gstow Prussian/Swede 1758/04/29 India Combat of Cuddalore British/French 1758/08/03 India Combat of Negapatam British/French 1758/12/09 India Battle of Condore British/French 1758/03/13 America Skirmish of Snow Shoes British/French 1758/07/08 America Battle of Carillon (Ticonderoga) British/French 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1759 1760 1760 1760 1760 1760 1760 1760 1760 1760 04/13 07/01 07/23 08/01 08/01 08/12 08/18 09/02 09/08 09/10 09/21 11/20 11/20 11/30 12/03-04 09/10 07/31 09/13 10/4 06/23 07/10 07/16 07/31 08/15 08/20 09/17 10/16 11/03 Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa India America America America Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa
Battle of Bergen Allied/French Frenchvictory Attempt on Lippstadt Allied/French Alliedvictory Battle of Paltzig (Kay) Prussian/Russian Russianvictory Battle of Minden Allied/French Alliedvictory Engagement of Gohfeld Allied/French Alliedvictory Battle of Kunersdorf Austro-Russian/Prussian Austro-Russianvictory Battle of Lagos British/French Britishnavalvictory Combat of Sorau Austrian/Prussian Austrianvictory Combat of Zinna Austro-Imperial/Prussian Prussianvictory Combat of Neuwarp Prussian/Swede Swedishnavalvictory Combat of Korbitz (1 de Meissen) Austro-Imperial/Prussian Prussianvictory Battle of Maxen Austro-Imperial/Prussian Austro-Imperialvictory Battle of Quiberon British/French Britishnavalvictory Attack on Fulda Allied/Wrttemberger Alliedvictory Combat of Meissen (2 de Meissen) Austrian/Prussian Austrianvictory Battle of Pondicherry British/French Frenchnavalvictory Battle of Beauport British/French Frenchvictory Battle of Qubec British/French Britishvictory Raid on Saint-Franois British/French Britishvictory Battle of Landeshut (2nd) Combat of Corbach Engagement of Emsdorf Battle of Warburg Battle of Liegnitz Combat of Strehla Combat of Hochgiersdorf Battle of Clostercamp Battle of Torgau Austrian/Prussian Allied/French Allied/French Allied/French Austrian/Prussian Austro-Imperial/Prussian Austrian/Prussian Allied/French Austrian/Prussian Austrianvictory Frenchvictory Alliedvictory Alliedvictory Prussianvictory Prussianvictory Prussianvictory Frenchvictory Prussianvictory
1760 01/22 India Battle of Wandewash British/French 1760 04/28 America Battle of Sainte-Foy British/French 1760 07/08 America Battle of the Restigouche British/French (presentlydepictedinthearticle1760-FrenchreinforcementofCanada)
Britishvictory Frenchvictory Britishvictory
1761/02/15 Europa CombatofLangensalza Allied-Prussian/Franco-Imperial AlliedPrussianvictory 1761/03/21 Europa EngagementofGrnberg Allied/French Frenchvictory 1761/07/16 Europa BattleofVellinghausenAllied/FrenchAlliedvictory 1761/09/15 Europa EngagementofGostynPrussian/RussianPrussianvictory 1761/09/17 Europa CombatofKosabroma(akaBrohm-Cosa)Prussian/SwedeDraw 1761/09/18 Europa CombatofRothemhl-NeuensundPrussian/SwedeSwedishvictory 1761/09/19 Europa CombatofGreenRedoubtPrussian/RussianPrussianvictory(presentlydepictedinthearticle1761RussiancampaigninPomerania) 1761/10/21 Europa EngagementofZarnglaffPrussian/RussianRussianvictory 1761/10/22 Europa CombatofGollnowPrussian/RussianDraw(presentlydepictedinthearticle1761RussiancampaigninPomerania) 1761/12/12 Europa CombatofSpiePrussian/RussianDraw 1762/05/12 1762/06/24 1762/07/06 1762/07/21 1762/07/23 1762/08/02 1762/08/16 1762/08/30 1762/09/21 1762/10/29 Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa Europa CombatofDoebelnAustrian/PrussianPrussianvictory BattleofWilhelmsthalAllied/FrenchAlliedvictory CombatofAdelsbachAustrian/PrussianAustrianvictory BattleofBurkersdorfAustrian/PrussianPrussianvictory CombatofLutterberg(2nd)Allied/FrenchAlliedvictory CombatofTeplitzAustrian/PrussianAustrianvictory BattleofReichenbachAustrian/PrussianPrussianvictory CombatofNauheim(akaJohannisberg)Allied/FrenchFrenchvictory CombatofAmneburg(akaBrcker-Mhle)Allied/Frenchdraw BattleofFreibergAustrian/PrussianPrussianvictory
1757-07-26 - Battle of Hastenbeck

French Victory
Prelude to the Battle

At the beginning of July, the French Army of the Lower Rhine under Marchal d'Estreshad successfully crossed the Weser River. After retiring in front of this superior French army for two weeks, the Duke of Cumberland decided to make a stand and selected a strong defensive position between the fortified city of Hameln and the Obensburg hill. After reconnoitring the Allied positions, the French determined that it prevented any frontal assault. D'Estres then decided to attack its left flank. The task was assigned toM. de Chevert with a screen of light troops, and the brigades of Picardie, Navarre and La Marine, to which was added the brigade d'Eu, initially under M. de Randan.
Description of Events
At 9:00 PM on the day before the battle, Chevert started his long flank march towards the Allied left flank. The 12 grenadier companies formed the head of the column, followed by 4 guns, the 4 Picardie battalions, the 4 Navarre battalions and the 4 La Marine battalions. Chevert advanced up to the village of Varonberg where he turned right into sunken roads in the woods. During the night march, there was some confusion in Chevert's ranks. Navarre Infanteriemistakenly continued its advance directly on the village of Varonberg. The Marquis de
Valfons stopped it when it was almost in contact with the enemies first outposts. The regiment retraced its step to join La Marine to the left of Picardie Infanterie. At 2:00 A.M., Chevert's entire corps was arrived on the plateau. Later on, d'Estres sent the Eu brigade to reinforce Chevert's Corps before its assault on the Allied left. However, the brigade got lost in the dark. A considerable fog raised at daybreak and the armies could see each other only at 5:30 AM. The Allies then began a cannonade which was feebly answered while the French still awaited M. de Chevert's signal. At 8:00 AM, the Eu brigade finally joined Chevert's corps. At 9:00 AM, using battalion columns, Chevert launched his attack on the Allied left flank in the woods. When the sound of the engagement was heard, the French army began its general advance while the artillery opened a devastating fire. The right of the Allied position attacked by Chevert was anchored on a steep rock more than 12 m high. This obstacle just inside the wood was securing its right and rear. Big oak trees stood in front of the Allies and between these trees other fallen oak trees formed formidable breastworks. A very dense wood completed the position. Repulsed from this initial position, the Allies retired on a second height, having a ravine in front of them. D'Armentires advanced on the right with the brigades of Belzunce, La Couronne and Alsace, supported by the Austrian Brigade and by dismounted dragoons. His objective was to attack the Allied redoubt and batteries. Contades at the head of the Orlans, Vaubcourt, Lyonnais and Mailly brigades began a slow advance towards the ravines between the Obensberg and the village of Hastenbeck. The first line of the left wing infantry, led by MM. de Guerchy and de Saint-Pern, also began a slow advance in 3 columns against the village of Hastenbeck. The difficult terrain chosen by Cumberland to make his stand did not allow the cavalry to charge. So d'Estres assigned it to support the infantry. It was to debouch into the plain once the main infantry attack had taken place. However, d'Armentires slightly modified the direction of his advance and got entangled in the woods. This manoeuvre mixed up the general order of battle. The situation was corrected by launching the reserve under M. d'Anlzy (Champagne and Reding brigades) against the redoubt. Champagne attacked a battery of 8 guns. It fell into disorder at the first salvoes. However, it soon rallied and captured the battery. Around 10:00 AM, the woods on the right became the focal point of the battlefield while the rest of the field belonged to the French artillery who made superior execution.Navarre Infanterie stormed the second position occupied by the Allied units on their extreme left flank.
Chevert continued to make gains against the enemy flank. Meanwhile, the Champagne and Alsace brigades captured the redoubt and Reding brigade covered the edge of the woods. At this moment, with Guerchy and Saint-Pern in position in front of Hastenbeck, d'Estres ordered an attack against the village. The approaching French columns were still at half a cannonshot from Hastenbeck when the village took fire. Nevertheless, theGrenadiers de France advanced into the village while Du Roi Infanterie and theGrenadiers Royaux de Solar took position on each side of the village. When theGrenadiers de France debouched from Hastenbeck they were fired upon with canister by some Allied guns entrenched at the edge of the woods. The grenadiers charged and captured these guns. Meanwhile, Chevert had cleared the woods in front of him and ordered his corps to advance into the plain, taking the Allied redoubts in rear. However, de Lorge, commanding the Eu brigade, did not obey orders and remained on the plateau. The French cavalry now had ample room to deploy into the plain to support the general advance. However, the Grenadiers de France received the quite surprising order to withdraw into the village of Hastenbeck. Indeed, d'Estres had realized that the Allies were moving troops from their left through the woods. An intense firefight could be heard. Three Hanoverian battalions under Hardenberg had managed to take the isolated Eu brigade in flank, utterly routing it and causing heavy losses. Hardenberg now master of the plateau used abandoned guns to fire on Chevert's right in the plain. Simultaneously, Hardenberg launched a few Allied squadrons in the gap created on the French right. Furthermore, d'Estres was wrongly informed by the Comte de Maillebois that a force of some 10,000 Allies was actually turning its right flank. D'Estres immediately ordered all his light troops to retreat to the camp to protect it and he sent almost all of his cavalry and an infantry brigade to plug this hole in his lines. Orders were issued to all the infantry to halt its advance and to the artillery to move back. However, these orders did not originate from d'Estres... The Royal-Pologne brigade which was debouching in the plain on the French left flank was also ordered to stop in front of retreating Allied units. These confusing orders, the movements that they caused and the disordered French infantry retreating in front of the Allied counter-attack interrupted all other attacks for almost 2 hours. This pause in the combats gave the Allies the opportunity to begin an orderly retreat across the Hameln River. The French cavalry finally restored the situation. Fire from the wood had ceased and dust clouds indicated that the Allies were retreating from those parts. Realizing that he had been misinformed, d'Estres decided to resume the attack of the Grenadiers de France, supporting it with the Royal-Carabiniers and the Royal Pologne brigades who had now debouched into the plain.
By this time, the Allies continuing their retreat had already passed the small creek at Afferde, burning their camp upon leaving it. At 6:00 PM, the Allied army was out of sight. D'Estres sent troops to follow him up to the village of Afferde. But, seeing that the enemy was retreating in good order and being master of the battlefield, he encamped his army and simply pushed a detachment to cover Hameln. The French captured 9 guns, 2 howitzers and a few prisoners, among which a major-general and 2 officers. The losses of the Allies amounted to some 1,420 men (300 killed, 900 wounded, 220 taken prisoners) while the French lost 1,500 men killed or wounded. The Marquis de Laval, aide marchal gnral des logis, was killed while M. du Chtelet and M. Belzunce were wounded. Throughout the day, the French artillery under the supervision of Vallires had performed outstandingly.
Outcome
The French victory led to the convention of Klosterzeven whereby Cumberland agreed to disband his army and to allow French to occupy Hanover.
Map
Reconstruction based on the maps of "Groer Gerneralstab, Kriegsgeschichtliche Abteilung II, Der Siebenjhrige Krieg 1756-1763", vol. V; and "Camps topographiques de la Campagne de 1757 en Westphalie ect., par le Sr. Du Bois", Le Hague, 1760.
Courtesy: Christian Rogge
The Allied army had its right at Hameln covered by a brook and a marsh and its left anchored on the woods and heights of Apserte with a strong detachment on the Obensberg. This part of the Allied position was supported by batteries and a redoubt. The French army was assembled on the heights of Ohsen, its left reaching the Weser. There was an impracticable marsh in front of the French left. On the Allied side, it was protected by a plateau where Cumberland had established guns. The village of Hastenbeck was in the centre.
Order of Battle
Allied Order of Battle
Commander-in-Chief: Duke of Cumberland First Line Right Wing under Lieutenant-general Zastrow von Block Brigade (Hanoverian) Druchtleben - 3B (1 bn) Knesebeck - 3A (1 bn) Scheither - 1A (1 bn) Buckeburg Battalion (1 bn) Sachsen-Gotha - 9A (1 bn) Stolzenberg - 4B (1 bn) Post - 10A (1 bn) Artillery Battery #1A (extreme right wing): 2 x 24-pdrs and 4 x 6-pdrs Artillery Battery #1B (right wing): 2 x 6-pdrs and some x 3-pdrs von Sporcken Brigade (Hanoverian) Jung-Zastrow - 9B (1 bn) Diepenbroick - 8A (1 bn) Center under Lieutenant-general Wutginau Center Second Line Right Wing Cavalry von Dachenhausen Brigade (Hanoverian) Busche Dragoons - 7C (4 sqns) Breidenbach Dragoons- 6C (2 sqns) Grenadier zu Pferde - C-B (1 sqn) Dachenhausen Dragoons - 5C (2 sqns) Leibgarde zu Pferde - C-A (1 sqn) von Zepelin Brigade (Hanoverian) Hammerstein - 2C-B (2 sqns) Schollen - 1C-B (2 sqns) Reden - 4C-A (2 sqns) Gilten - 4C-B (2 sqns)
Prinz von Anhalt Brigade (Hessian) Leib-Regiment (1 bn) Prinz Karl (1 bn) Prinz von Anhalt (1 bn) Frstenberg (1 bn)
von Einsiedel Brigade (Hessian) Leib Regiment (2 sqns) Miltitz (1 sqn) Ysenburg (2 sqns)
von Urff Brigade (Hessian) Prinz Wilhelm (2 sqns) Leib Dragoner (4 sqns)
von Gilsa Brigade (Hessian) Kanitz (1 bn) Hanau (1 bn) Haudring (1 bn) Artillery Battery #2 (north of Hastenbeck): 3 x 24-pdrs, 2 x 12-pdrs and 4 x 6-pdrs
von Frstenberg Brigade (Hessian) Prinz Ysenburg (1 bn) Mansbach (1 bn) Erbprinz (1 bn) Grenadier-Regiment (1 bn) Left Wing von Kielmansegg Brigade (Hanoverian) Kielmannsegg - 12A (1 bn) Oberg - 11B (1 bn) ??? Garde (2 bns)
Left Wing under Lieutenant-general Imhoff Brigade Erbprinz of Brunswick Brunswick Behr (2 bns) Brunswick Leib-Regiment (2 bns)
Brigade von Behr Brunswick Zastrow (1 bn) Brunswick Imhoff (2 bns) Hanoverian Brunck - 12B (1 bn) Hanoverian Block - 8B (1 bn)
von Hodenberg Brigade (Hanoverian) Wagenheim - 7A (1 bn) Hodenberg - 5B (1 bn)
Other Detachments Advance Guard of Left Wing Protecting Forward Batteries von Hardenberg Brigade of converged grenadiers Hanoverian Grenadiers (2 bns) Hessian Grenadiers (1 bn) Brunswick Grenadiers (1 bn) Artillery Battery #3 (east of Hastenbeck): 4 howitzers and 8 x 12-pdrs
von Schulenburg Brigade
Brunswick Grenadiers (1 bn) Hessian Stockhausen Grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Grenadiers (1 bn) Artillery Battery #4 (left wing northwest of Voremberg): 2 howitzers, 2 x 12-pdrs and 6 3pdrs
Detachment on the Obensburg under Major von Freytag Hanoverian Fuss Jger (3 companies)
Scouts on Right Wing : Hanoverian Jger zu Pferde (2 companies) Detachment on the Weser Hanoverian Bock Dragoons - 8C (4 sqns) Hanoverian Hussars (1 sqn) Buckeburg Carabiniers (1 sqn)
Detachment around the Afferde Watchtower under von Ledebur (Hanoverian) Dachenhausen Dragoons - 5C (2 sqns) Leib-Regiment - 1C-A (2 sqns) Ledebour - 4A (1 bn) Fabrice - 2B (1 bn)
Detachments in and near Hameln (Hanoverian) Kommandierte Infanterie (2,000 men) converged from various regiments 1st Garrison Battalion (1 bn) Hessian Miltitz (1 sqn of dismounted recruits)
East of Afferde under Colonel Dachenhausen Schlutter (2 sqns) unidentified unit Dachenhausen - 2C-A (2 sqns)
Detachment on the Schecken Height between Afferde and Diedersen under Breidenbach (Hanoverian) Breidenbach Dragoons - 6C (2 sqns) Sporken - 2A (1 bn) von Hardenberg - 6A (1 bn) Zandre de Caraffa - 6B (1 bn)
French Order of Battle

Commander-in-Chief: Marchal d'Estres Total force: 50,000 infantry and artillery in 84 battalions, 10,000 cavalry in 83 squadrons, supported by 68 heavy guns, 84 battalion guns and 8 howitzers. These figures are given according to the information in Grosser Generalstab. They are based on a plan of the French camp on the battlefield in the afternoon of July 26 listing all regiments by name and in strength of 70 bns and 63 sqns. To this force, the troops of Broglies Reserve (8 bns and 12 sqns) which recrossed the river Weser the same day, 2 bns of the Grenadiers Royaux de Solar, the 4 bns brigade dAlsace, that are not listed as with dArmentires force, but took part in the battle, and 8 sqns from Randans Reserve and dArmentires' vanguard would have to be added all apparently detached. This gives a strength of 84 bns and 83 sqns for the French army (incl. 2 bns of artillery). Cavalry generals are speculative, though based on fragmental record elsewhere no confirmation on the commands here. Cavalry regiments and brigading should be exact at about 80%, that of the infantry near 100%. N.B.: most sources, except Jomini, agree with the German Grosser Generalstab on the total force of the French Army. First Line Right Flank: Division under M. de Chevert assisted by Marchaux de Camp de Vog and de Maupeou Screening Light Troops Volontaires du Hainaut (400 men) under M. de La Morlire Volontaires de Flandre (400 men) under M. de Vigneau Volontaires de l'arme (200 mounted men) under Bussi Detachement of Volontaires du Hainaut and de Flandre (5 troops) under M. de Bourgmarie Converged Grenadiers (12 coys) Second Line Reserve
Artillery: 4 x 4-pdrs Picardie Brigade (4 bns) Navarre Brigade (4 bns) La Marine Brigade (4 bns) Eu Brigade under the Comte de Lorge Eu (2 bns) Enghien (2 bns) Reserve ChampagneBrigade (4 bns) under M. d'Anlzy Infantry Division (coming from Imbeck) Reding (2 bns) Salis de Mayenfeld (2 bns)
Right Wing Infantry under the Marquis d'Armentires Austrian Infantry Brigade de Ligne (1 bn) Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn)
Belzunce Brigade (4 bns) La Couronne Brigade La Couronne (2 bns) Conty (2 bns)
Alsace Brigade Alsace (3 bns) Saint-Germain (1 bn)
Colonel Gnral Dragons (4 dismounted sqns)
Mestre de Camp Gnral Dragons (4 dismounted sqns)
Orlans Dragons (4 dismounted sqns) Right Wing Cavalry under the Duc Right Wing Cavalry d'Orlans (behind Contades Centre Division) Commissaire Gnral Brigade Colonel Gnral Brigade Colonel Gnral (3 sqns) Clermont-Tonnerre (2 sqns) Dauphin Brigade Dauphin (2 sqns) Moustiers (2 sqns) Commissaire Gnral (2 sqns) Bellefonds (2 sqns) Aquitaine (2 sqns)
Infantry Centre under the Marquis de Contades Mailly Brigade (4 bns) Lyonnais Brigade Lyonnais (2 bns) La Roche Aymon (2 bns)
Vaubcourt Brigade Vaubcourt (2 bns) Cond (2 bns)
Bourgogne Brigade Bourgogne(2 sqns)
Orlans Brigade Orlans (2 bns) Chartres (2 bns)
Talleyrand (2 sqns)
Bourbon-Busset (2 sqns)
Cuirassiers du Roy Brigade Cuirassiers du Roy (2 sqns) 2 unidentified Cavalry Regiments (4 sqns)
Royal Roussillon Brigade Royal Roussillon (2 sqns) Saluces (2 sqns) Fumel (2 sqns)
Left Wing Infantry Division under theDuc de Broglie
Left Wing Infantry Division under the Duc de Broglie
Du Roi Brigade (4 bns) under M. Infantry Division under M. de Souvr and M. d'Isselbach de Guerchy Grenadier Brigade under M. de Saint-Pern Grenadiers Royaux de Solar(2 bns) Grenadiers de France Brigade (4 bns) 1st Palatinate Brigade Osten (2 bns) Prinz Karl von Zweibrucken (2 bns) Preysing (2 bns)
2nd Palatinate Brigade Baaden (2 bns) Prinz Birkenfeld (2 bns)
Poitou Brigade Poitou (2 bns) Provence (2 bns)
Royal-Sudois Brigade Royal Sudois (2 bns) Royal Bavire (2 bns)
Left Wing Cavalry under the Duc de Brissac (behind Broglie's Left Wing Division) Royal Cravate Brigade Royal Cravate (2 sqns) Noailles (2 sqns) Charost (2 sqns)
Left Wing Cavalry Royal-Pologne Brigade Royal-Pologne (2 sqns) Harcourt (2 sqns) Henrichemont (2 sqns)
du Roy Brigade du Roy (2 sqns) Rochefoucauld-Langeac (2 sqns) Cond (2 sqns)
Mestre de Camp Gnral Brigade Mestre de Camp Gnral (2
sqns) 2 unidentified Cavalry Regiments (4 sqns) Other Detachments Cavalry Reserve under the Marquis de Poyanne Royal-Carabiniers Brigade Maisne (2 sqns) Royal-Carabiniers Brigade Saint-George (2 sqns) Royal-Carabiniers Brigade Rosen (2 sqns)
Hussars Bercheny Hussards (4 sqns) Polleresky Hussards (4 sqns)
Artillery under M. de la Vallire (in front of the center and right wing of the army) Corps Royal de l'Artillerie - Lamotte Battalion Corps Royal de l'Artillerie - Menouville Battalion 6 groups of about 10 to 12 guns each consisting of: 25 x 12-pdrs and 16-pdrs 4 x 24-pdrs 8 howitzers 8 x 8-pdrs (with Broglies reserve) 27 x 4-pdrs
Contemporary Accounts
Relation of the battle of Hastenbeck by an anonymous French officer
References
Archenholz, J. W., The History of the Seven Years War in Germany, translated by F. A. Catty, Francfort, 1843, p. 78 Beringer, Ingo, Guns and Brigades at Hastenbeck, Seven Years War Association Journal Vol. X No. 4 vrard P., Praetiriti Fides Du Bois, Camp Topographies of the Campaign of 1757, in Westphalia. Begun by M. le marchal dEstres, continued by M. le duc de Richelieu, & concluded by Mgr. le comte de Clermont: With a journal of its operations, & some other very courious Piece. (original "Camps
topographiques de la Campagne de 1757 en Westphalie ect., par le Sr. Du Bois", Le Hague, 1760). Translation by James J. Mitchell, publ. Old Battlefields Press, USA, 1996. Groer Gerneralstab, Kriegsgeschichtliche Abteilung II, Der Siebenjhrige Krieg 1756-1763 Horse and Musket Users Group Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006 Vial J. L., Nec Pluribus Impar West, Dean, Additional Thoughts on Hastenbeck - Definitive Order of Battle?, Seven Years War Association Journal Vol. VII No. 3 Yahoo SYW Group Message No. 5515
1758-06-23 - Battle of Krefeld

Allied Victory
Prelude
Since the beginning of his winter offensive in West Germany in February 1758, the Allied Army under the command of Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick had first pushed back the French Army to the Rhine. Then, at the beginning of June, Ferdinand had led his army across the Rhine and initiated a campaign on the west bank of the Rhine and he was now trying to pin the French army against the Rhine. On June 23, Ferdinand, now some 70 km on the west side of the Rhine, found the French drawn up in battle order at Krefeld. The French army, under the Comte de Clermont, counted some 47,000 men while Ferdinand had 33,000 men.
Map
Map of the battle of Krefeld on June 23 1758.
Source: Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen, volume III by the German Grosser Generalstab
The French positions at Krefeld were very advantageous. The French right wing extended towards a very thick wood having in its front the village of Ravensgt (unidentified location) and the town of Krefeld. The village of Sankt-Tnis covered the front of the left wing which extended up to Anrath and another thick wood. These lines were covered by a thick rampart surrounded by two wide ditches. Only a few passages existed for communications. All roads leading to these lines were bordered with trees and the countryside was covered with properties separated by canal-ditches, osier-thickets, hedges, farm-villages, peat-bogs... An open plain extended between these lines and Krefeld. A frontal attack seemed impossible while the French right flank was covered by a large marsh and the left flank extended over an intricate ground as previously described.
Ferdinand divided his army into three corps: 1. Ferdinand's corps (16 bns and 26 sqns) on the right wing; 2. General Oberg's corps (6 bns and 6 sqns) in the centre; 3. General Sprcken's corps (16 bns and 20 sqns) on the left wing. Ferdinand planned to outflank the French left wing with his own corps winding itself round and bursting in upon Clermont's rear. Oberg was to support him with diversionary attacks on the passages of Stoeken (unidentified location) and Hukesmey (unidentified location). Meanwhile,
Sprcken had to mislead Clermont in thinking the threat was to his right and to contain the French army until the outflanking movement had succeeded. On June 23 at 4:00 AM, the Allied army began to move. The right wing advanced in 2 columns to Sankt-Tnis, the left on the plain leading to Krefeld. Ferdinand, theHereditary Prince of Brunswick and Holstein assembled on the heights of Sankt-Tnis to observe the French positions. Ferdinand then resolved to march to the right and to attack the French left wing in the villages of Vorst and Anrath. He also ordered Sprcken to make diversion and to send Lieutenant-general Oberg with 6 bns (Chevallerie, Druchtleben, Kielmannsegg, Schele, Reden and the Fusiliers) of the second line, Bremer Cavalry Regiment with the Hanoverian Garde du Corps with 6 x 12-pdrs in a single column towards Sankt-Tnis. Meanwhile, Sprcken marched in two columns along the marsh of Kleud. At 8:00 AM, Ferdinand put himself at the head of the grenadiers of the right wing and took the road leading to the village of Vorst. He then left the village on his right and with great difficulty moved in two columns against Anrath through scrubs, thickets, hedges and ditches. At 10:00 AM, Clermont was informed that several Allied columns were in sight, marching up to his camp. He immediately deployed his army in front of his camp. His right extended to the wood at Fischeln from where it lined the Landwehr dyke as far as Ant Stock. The dyke was occupied by the infantry. In the centre, behind the infantry, Clermont deployed two lines of cavalry. A reserve of carabiniers and dragoons formed en potence on the left wing; the Grenadiers de France and the Grenadiers Royaux were kept in reserve behind the right wing and Navarre Infanterie in reserve behind the centre. He also posted 4 bns towards Anrath which was occupied by 200 foot and 200 horse of the Lgion Royale. Finally, he threw 800 men (infantry, cavalry and hussars) in the village of Krefeld. About noon, while Clermont was deploying his army the Lgion Royale and the 4 bns defending Anrath fell back on their camp, after some skirmishes, gave the alarm and joined the French left wing. When Clermont realised that Ferdinand was trying to outflank his left wing, he sent 15 battalions (the brigades of La Marine, Touraine,Brancas and Lochmann) under the command of Saint-Germain against him. He also deployed 30 squadrons to support Saint-Germain. Clermont also recalled the detachment occupying Krefeld. Ferdinand rapidly passed a defile and crossed woods near Anrath with his vanguard. He then deployed them on the plain between Anrath and Willich. Saint-Germain's corps along with its support of cavalry lined a wood running parallel to the river Niers. According to the Allied plan, Oberg and Sprcken then started their advance towards the French lines. A lively cannonade opened in this part of the battlefield.
At 1:00 PM, on the Allied right wing, Ferdinand moved his artillery forward, allowing his infantry to form against a wood and Malachowski Hussars to extend on his right towards the village of Willich as if to turn the French left flank. Bock Dragoons were kept behind the right of the infantry. After a lively cannonade, Ferdinand realised that he would have to oust the 15 French bns from the wood by a direct attack. The Hereditary Prince put himself at the head of the first line (Schulenburg and Schack converged grenadiers battalions, Block, Sprcken, Hardenberg, Wangenheim, Post, Dreves) and entered into the wood. Clermont, realizing that the decisive action of the battle would take place on his left wing, sent for the reserve (Grenadiers de France, Grenadiers Royaux, Navarre brigade) to march to the support of Saint-Germain's corps. However, these reserve units were quite distant from the left wing and Clermont's courier lost precious time locating it. Meanwhile, the French brigades of the second line of the French left wing led by Saint-Germain bore the brunt of the fighting. All on their own, without being reinforced, they fought for almost 3 hours defending the crossing of the ditch and the possession of the hamlets alongside this serious obstacle. Three successive Allied attacks were repulsed. Ferdinand had to commit the second Allied line who penetrated into the wood to force Saint-Germain back. Only 8 Allied sqns remained on the plain as a reserve. The other 16 sqns never managed to enter into the wood, stopped by 2 batteries supported by 30 sqns. At about 5:00 PM, the Hereditary Prince, assisted by Wangenheim and Kielmannsegg, launched his grenadiers in an attack on the two ditches defended by the French in the wood, forcing both of them. The grenadiers were imitated by the other battalions all along the line. Saint-Germain, after sustaining heavy casualties, finally retired from the wood. His retreat was covered by the 48 French squadrons of the left wing who prevented the Allied infantry to advance into the plain despite the very effective fire of the Allied artillery. However, only three brigades of French cavalry (Carabiniers, Aquitaineand Royal-Roussillon) took an active part to the fighting. It is said that 3 more French cavalry brigades of the left wing refused twice to engage despite explicit orders to do so. Between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, 3 dragoon squadrons (1 Hessian and 2 Prussian) under colonel Bandemer, chef of the Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons, crossed the ditch at an unguarded passage near Engershfe and advanced into the rear of the French cavalry, causing considerable surprise. Clermont ordered the Carabiniers along with Royal-Roussillon Cavalerie and Aquitaine Cavalerie to charge the Allied troops debouching on the plain. The Hessian dragoons and a Hessian cavalry rgt had first shock with theCarabiniers de Provence and Royal-Roussillon Cavalerie and were driven back to the wood with significant loss. Meanwhile, Major-general von Urff had also passed the defile at the head of his ownLeibRegiment and of the Leib-Dragoner. He countercharged the pursuing Carabiniers, allowing
Holstein's remaining squadrons to deploy. After a number of successive furious charges and melees, the French cavalry was completely broken. During this cavalry engagement, the Hereditary Prince and Gilsa managed to rally a number of battalions (Hessian Prinz Carl, Hanoverian Post, Dreves and possiblyHardenberg) and then advanced onto the plain. The Comte de Gisors at the head of four squadrons of Carabiniers charged these advancing battalions who let them close in to about 20 paces before firing a devastating volley mowing down in an instant most of the first rank. A single squadron managed to break through but the third rank of infantry coolly made an about turn and knocked it down with its disciplined fire. Meanwhile, Oberg in the centre had reached Hukesmey on the fortified lines. The French, threatened on both flanks, soon abandoned these lines. Oberg got over the fortified lines at Hukesmey with his infantry and at Stoeken with his cavalry and made a junction with Ferdinand's corps. Finally, M. de Saint-Pern at the head of the French reserve of grenadiers along withNavarre Infanterie brigade arrived on the scene. The Comte de Lusace wanted to lead these fresh troops into the attack but he rather received orders to cover the retreat of the army. Even considering their late arrival, these 18 battalions if they had been supported by some fresh cavalry could have changed the course of the battle. Saint-Pern's inexplicable delay before coming to the rescue of Saint-Germain was attributed by certain to treachery within the French high commands. Clermont retreated to Neuss and then to Worringen. At 9:00 PM, the three Allied corps joined each other on the battlefield and spent the night under arms. Meanwhile, the Allied light troops were sent forward to harass the retiring French army.
Outcome
During this battle, the French lost some 4,000 men including some of their best cavalry, the Carabiniers alone suffering some 60 officers and 600 men casualties. Among the wounded were the Comte de Gisors (son of marchal Belleisle), the Chevalier de Muy, Lieutenantgeneral comte de Maille colonel of Cond regiment, the Duc de Montmorency colonel of Touraine Infanterie, the Comte de Lauraguais colonel of the Roussillon regiment, Colonel Lochmann, Lieutenant-colonel Escher, 4 captains, 17 officers of the same regiment. About 8 French regiments were entirely ruined. The gunners of Prinz Karl Infantry captured a pair of kettle drums while the Leib-Dragonercaptured 2 Carabiniers standards, colonel Stein of the Prinz Wilhelm regiment a third one and the Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons a fourth plus another pair of kettle drums. Ferdinand lost only 1,700 men.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: General Ferdinand of Brunswick Summary: 37 battalions, 55 squadrons and 3 units of light troops for a total of 31,900 men (including 1,400 light troops) Right Wing under Ferdinand of Brunswick Infantry (18 bns) under Lieutenant-general Hereditary Prince of Brunswick assisted by Major-generals von Gilsa, von Wangenheim and von Kielmansegg Hanoverian Infantry (9 bns) Scheither (1 bn) Sprcken (1 bn) Bock (1 bn) Hardenberg (1 bn) Halberstadt (1 bn) Wangenheim (1 bn) Block (1 bn) Post (1 bn) Dreves (1 bn)
Hessian Infantry (4 bns) Garde (1 bn) Leib-Regiment (1 bn) Prinz Carl (1 bn) Hessen-Hanau (1 bn)
Brunswick Infantry (3 bns) Leib-Regiment (2 bns) Bckeburg (1 bn)
Converged Grenadiers (2 bns) (formed from the grenadier companies of the right wing excluding the grenadiers from the Brunswick Leib-Regiment, Hanoverian grenadiers @ 56 men per battalion, Hessian @ 80 men per battalion and Brunswick @ 141 men per battalion) Converged Grenadier Battalion von der Schulenburg (1 bn) Converged Grenadier Battalion von Schack (1 bn)
Cavalry (26 sqns) under Lieutenant-general Duke of Holstein-Gottorp assisted by Majorgenerals von Einsiedel and von Urff Prussian Cavalry (12 sqns)
Holstein Dragoons (5 sqns) Finckenstein Dragoons (5 sqns) Malachowski Hussars (2 sqns)
Hanoverian Cavalry (4 sqns) Bock Dragoons (4 sqns)
Hessian Cavalry (10 sqns) Leib-Regiment (2 sqns) Prinz Wilhelm (2 sqns) Miltitz (2 sqns) Leib Dragoons (4 sqns)
Artillery (11 pieces) 4 x 12-pdrs guns 4 x heavy 6-pdrs guns 3 x mortars
Centre under Lieutenant-general von Oberg assisted by Major-generals von Drachenhausen, Diepenbroick and Druchtleben Infantry (6 bns) Hanoverian Infantry (6 bns) Scheele (1 bn) Reden (1 bn) Druchtleben (1 bn) Oberg (1 bn) Kielmansegg (1 bn) Fersen Fsilier (1 bn)
Cavalry (6 sqns) Hanoverian Cavalry (6 sqns) Leib-Regiment (2 sqns) Hodenberg (2 sqns) Bremer (2 sqns)
Artillery (10 pieces) 6 x 12-pdrs guns 4 x howitzers
Left Wing under Lieutenant-general von Sprcken assisted by Lieutenant-general von Wutginau and Major-generals von Frstenberg and Prince von Anhalt-Bernburg
Infantry (13 bns) Hanoverian Infantry (6 bns) Garde (2 bns) Behr (1 bn) Linstrow (1 bn) Jung-Zastrow (1 bn) Brunck (1 bn)
Hessian Infantry (4 bns) Leib-Grenadiers (1 bn) Frstenberg (1 bn) Anhalt (1 bn) Mansbach (1 bn)
Brunswick Infantry Behr (2 bns) Converged Grenadiers under von Cramm (3 bns) Grenadiers from Behr (2 coys or 282 men) Grenadiers from Leib-Regiment (2 coys or 282 men)
Cavalry (23 sqns) Prussian Cavalry (3 sqns) Ruesch Hussars (3 sqns)
Hanoverian Cavalry (20 sqns) Garde du Corps (1 sqn) Grenadiers Cheval (1 sqn) Heise (2 sqns) Hammerstein (2 sqns) Grothaus (2 sqns) Reden (2 sqns) Breidenbach (2 sqns) Drachenhausen Dragoons (4 sqns) Breidenbach Dragoons (4 sqns)
Hanoverian Artillery ??? x 24-pdrs guns ??? x 12-pdrs guns
Hanoverian Light Troops Hussar Corps (2 coys) Scheither Corps (2 mounted coys, 4 foot coys)
Jger Corps (4 mounted coys, 4 foot coys)

Commander-in-chief: Comte de Clermont Summary: some 47,000 men in 74 bns, 111 sqns, 3 bns of artillery and 18 coys of light troops. First Line Second Line
Right Wing of cavalry under Marquis d'Armentires Right Wing of cavalry under Duc de Sourches Colonel Gnral Brigade Colonel Gnral (3 sqns) Rochefoucauld-Langeac (2 sqns) Berry (2 sqns) Du Roi Brigade Du Roy (2 sqns) Moustiers (2 sqns) No (2 sqns)
La Reine Brigade La Reine (2 sqns) de Vienne (2 sqns) Archiac (2 sqns)
Bourgogne Brigade Bourgogne (2 sqns) Montcalm (2 sqns) Cond (2 sqns)
Cuirassiers du Roi Brigade Cuirassiers du Roy (2 sqns) Lastic de Saint-Jal (2 sqns) Chabrillan (2 sqns)
Royal-Roussillon Brigade Royal-Roussillon (2 sqns) Harcourt (2 sqns) Fumel (2 sqns)
All infantry under Marquis de Contades Right Wing of infantry under M. de Chevert Picardie Brigade Picardie (4 bns) Enghien (2 bns)
All infantry under Chevalier de Nicolay Right Wing of infantry under Duc de Havr Navarre Brigade Navarre (4 bns) Orlans (2 bns)
Auvergne Brigade Auvergne (4bns) Bretagne (2 bns)
Vaubcourt Brigade Vaubcourt (2 bns) Tournaisis (1 bn) Aumont (2 bns)
Centre under Comte de Guerchy Belzunce Brigade Belzunce (4 bns) Rohan-Rochefort (2 bns)
Du Roi Brigade Du Roi (4 bns)
Provence (2 bns) Left Wing of infantry under Comte de Saint-Germain Touraine Brigade Touraine (2 bns) Chartres (2 bns) La Marche (1 bn)
Left Wing of infantry under Comte de Lorges La Tour du Pin Brigade Cond (2 bns) La Tour du Pin (4 bns)
Champagne Brigade Aquitaine (2 bns) Champagne (4 bns)
Brancas (2 bns) Lochmann (2 bns) La Marine Brigade La Couronne (2 bns) La Marine (4 bns)
Left Wing of cavalry under Duc de Fitzjames Royal Cravates Brigade Royal Cravates (2 sqns) Noailles (2 sqns) Grammont (2 sqns)
Left Wing of Cavalry under Chevalier de Muy Royal-Pimont Brigade Royal-Pimont (2 sqns) Trasseigny (2 sqns) Bourbon-Busset (2 sqns)
Dauphin Brigade Dauphin (2 sqns) Talleyrand (2 sqns) Orlans (2 sqns)
Aquitaine Brigade Aquitaine (2 sqns) Dampierre (2 sqns) Crussol (2 sqns)
Mestre de Camp Gnral Brigade Mestre de Camp Gnral (2 sqns) Lnoncourt (2 sqns) Chartres (2 sqns)
Royal-tranger Brigade Royal-tranger (2 sqns) Charost (2 sqns) Marcieux (2 sqns)
Reserve Grenadiers under M. de Saint-Pern Grenadiers de France Brigade (4 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Modne Brigade Grenadiers Royaux de Modne (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux d'Aulans (2 bns)
Grenadiers Royaux de Bergeret Brigade Grenadiers Royaux de Bergeret (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Chantilly (2 bns)
Carabiniers under the Marquis de Poyanne
Corps des Carabiniers (10 sqns)
Dragoons under the Duc de Chevreuse Colonel Gnral (4 sqns) Orlans (4 sqns) Du Roy (4 sqns) Caraman (4 sqns)
Artillery under M. de la Vallire Corps Royal de l'Artillerie Bataillon de La Motte Corps Royal de l'Artillerie Bataillon de Mnonville Corps Royal de l'Artillerie Bataillon de Cosme Corps Royal de l'Artillerie Workers (3 coys) Corps Royal de l'Artillerie Miners (2 coys)
Hussars under M. de Turpin Bercheny (6 sqns) Turpin (6 sqns)
Light Troops probably under the Comte de Chabot Lgion Royale (12 coys) Volontaires de Flandre (6 coys)
References
This article incorporates texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: 1. Jomini, Henri, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 2me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, pp. 29-37 2. Carlyle T., History of Friedrich II of Prussia vol. 18 3. Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 299-302 4. Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 46-47 Other sources Horse and Musket Users Group Rohan Chabot, Alix de, Le Marchal de Belle Isle ou la revanche de Foucquet, Perrin, Paris, 2005
Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006 Vial, J. L., Nec Pluribus Impar
1758-07-23 - Combat of Sandershausen

French Victory

Since June 1 1758, the main Allied Army under Ferdinand of Brunswick was operating on the west bank of the Rhine. On June 23, it had defeated the French Army at thebattle of Krefeld. However, the French still had a small army on the east bank under theDuc de Broglie that could pause a threat to Ferdinand supply lines. In July, Broglie was ordered to advance against Hesse, hoping that this action would induce Ferdinand to re-cross the Rhine.
Maps
Thumbnail image of the map of the battle of Sandershausen on July 23 1758 Source: reproduced with the kind authorization of Digitales Archiv Marburg 2007 DigAM
A larger version of this map is available at: DigAM - document 4983

DigAM also proposes several other maps of the battle of Sandershausen:
DigAM - document 4984 DigAM - document 4985 DigAM - document 4986 DigAM - document 4988 (3 maps) DigAM - document 5016 DigAM - document 5004 (2 maps)
DigAM - document 5006
On July 23, at 11:00 AM, the small Hessian force under Prince Ysenburg started to lift its camp located near Kassel but on the opposite bank of the Fulda. Infantry went first followed by cavalry, leaving a battalion near the suburb of Kassel to support the retreat of the jgers who occupied the village of Bettenhausen, which was only a musket shot away. The Duc de Broglie then sent the infantry volunteers and the grenadiers to occupy the suburb of Kassel with interdiction to go further. At 12:00 AM, the infantry being in musket range, he immediately sent it through the town and simultaneously sent orders to the Royal-Nassau Hussards, to the dragoons and to the cavalry to ford the Fulda and to advance towards the village of Bettenhausen, leaving it to their left in order to join with the infantry beyond the village. When he was close enough, he sent the infantry volunteers and the grenadiers out of the suburb and the whole force united between Bettenhausen and Sandershausen. However, Broglie left two battalions of Royal Deux-Ponts Infanterie to hold the town of Kassel and another battalion of the same regiment at Sandershausen to guard the defiles. Meanwhile, Ysenburg had marched by his right to reach the highway to Mnden. He then decided to make a stand at Sandershausen. He deployed his small force (some 6,000 men) on a height with his right anchored to a steep slope of the Fulda and his left protected by the Ellenbach woods on a ridge. His troops consisted mainly of militia (3 bns), "Invalids" (2 coys) and some regular units. However, several troopers from the militia and jger units were experienced hunters armed with their own rifled guns. Ysenburg placed all his cavalry on his left in a position overlooking the plain where the French had to debouch. Broglie, approaching as close as he could from the village of Sandershausen, climbed the height and was quite surprised to see Ysenburg's corps drawn up in battle order. Broglie planned to attack the Allied infantry positioned in the woods on the Allied left flank. This would allow him to cut off Ysenburg line of retreat to Mnden and to push him back against the Fulda. The terrain being narrow, Broglie put his infantry in the first line and his cavalry and his dragoons in the second. He anchored his right to a wood and reinforced it with three grenadier companies of Royal Deux-Ponts Infanterie. He also advanced his right more than his left in preparation for his main attack. At 3:00 PM, once his army deployed, Broglie launched his attack. He placed the ten guns of his two artillery brigades in front of his right to shoot at the Hessian cavalry placed against the woods. Reacting to the fire of the French artillery, the Hessian cavalry advanced to charge the French infantry. Seeing this, Broglie supported Waldner Infanterie and Royal Bavire Infanterie by deploying Diesbach Infanterie and Royal Deux-Ponts Infanterie (only 1 bn) behind them.
Broglie then advanced the Wurtemberg, Royal-Allemand and Nassau-Sarrebruck cavalry regiments, under M. Raugrave, through the gap created on his right by the doubling of his infantry line. When the Hessian cavalry saw the French cavalry advancing in front of its infantry, it moved to its right as if it was going for the French left. Broglie reacted by instructing Raugrave to advance infantry through a gap, supported byApchon Dragons on its left. This movement stopped the Hessian cavalry. The RoyalAllemand and Nassau-Sarrebruck regiments then charged the Hessian cavalry but were broken and hotly pursued. This left the infantry of the French right unsupported by the cavalry. However, Royal Bavire Infanterie fired a furious volley on the advancing Hessian cavalry, stopping its advance. Meanwhile, MM. Waldner and Diesbach, at the head of the Swiss Brigade and of the 3 grenadier companies of Royal Deux-Ponts Infanterie, attacked the Hessian Jgers in the Ellenbach woods and met strong resistance the Hessians. At this moment, Ysenburg ordered a general advance of the Hessian right and centre. These units then quickly marched on the French left wing held by Rohan Montbazon Infanterie and Beauvoisis Infanterie. This brigade suffered from the deadly fire of the Hessian troops facing them. Rohan Montbazon Infanterie managed to repulse the Hessians who moved back a few hundred paces. However, they soon came back even stronger. The Hessians had the advantage of being covered by the steep slope while the Rohan Montbazon brigade stood in the open. The French left was forced to move back and the Hessians extended their line along the steep slope, trying to reach the French rear. To prevent this move, Broglie advanced a few squadrons of the Apchon Dragonsalong with some cavalry squadrons who had now rallied. The Hessian battalions continued to pour continuous fire upon their French adversaries. As the battle developed, the inexperience of the Hessian militia began to tell. Two of these battalions along with the Invalids soon formed a completely disorganised mass in the centre of Ysenburg line. Broglie then ordered a general advance of his entire first line: Royal Bavire (2 bns),RoyalDeux-Pont (1 bn), Rohan-Montbazon (2 bns) and Beauvoisis (2 bns). Since, the French had no more powder, they marched with the bayonet. Broglie had managed to isolate Ysenburg's left wing from his right. Furthermore, the disorganised Hessian units of the centre were about to break and rout. Ysenburg then ordered to retreat. The engagement had been a 5 hours prolonged and intense fire fight. About 300 Hessians tried to escape through the river where several of them perished. The rest of Ysenburg's corps retired in good order to Landwehrhagen.
It was now 7:00 PM, the weather was very bad, the country very wooded and the French infantry had marched 28 km. Broglie preferred to stop, sending the Baron de Travers with 700 volunteers to follow up the Hessians. The French lost 677 killed and 1,385 wounded. M. de Saint-Martin, Lieutenant-colonel of Rohan Infanterie, and Major Rousette, major of Beauvoisis Infanterie were both killed. The Prince of Nassau was severely wounded. Their left wing suffered particularly with the single brigade of Rohan-Montbazon loosing 66 officers and 778 men killed and wounded. Beauvoisis Infanterie regiment was almost wiped out. This high casualty rate on the French side can only be explained by the massed employment of the rifled German Jgerbchse by the Hessians. Hessian losses were far less important, amounting to only 56 killed, 162 wounded and 250 taken prisoners (including Count Kanitz, the first aide-de-camp to Prince Ysenburg and several lieutenant-colonels and majors). However, the French captured 2,000 more Hessians and 15 guns (out of 16: 7 on the battlefield, 8 at Mnden) during the following days. The prisoners were mostly militia who had deserted after the battle.
Outcome
This French victory coupled with Chevert's attempt two week later (August 5) to seize the bridge at Rees (combat of Mehr) finally convinced Ferdinand to retreat to the east bank of the Rhine, which he did on August 8.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Prince Ysenburg Summary: 5 bns, 5 grenadier coys, 2 Invalid coys, 3 jger coys, 3 cavalry sqns, 1 hussar sqn for a total of some 6,500 men. N.N.: all troops were Hessian unless specifically noted First Line (listed from right to left) Feld-Jger (1 coy) Garnison-Grenadiers (5 coys) Ysenburg (1 bn) Wurmb Landmiliz (1 bn) Gundlach Landmiliz (1 bn) Kanitz (1 bn) Prschenck (2 sqns) Prinz Friedrich dragoons (1 sqn) Hanoverian Jger (2 coys) unidentified unit
Freywald Landmiliz (1 bn)
Second Line Invalids (2 coys) Husaren Corps (1 sqn)
Artillery 16 light guns

Commander-in-chief: Duc de Broglie Summary: 14 bns, 12 sqns and 2 Volontaire corps for a total of some 8,500 men. First Line (listed from right to left): Waldner Brigade Waldner (2 bns) Diesbach (2bns)
Royal Bavire Brigade Royal Bavire (2 bns) Royal Deux-Ponts (1 bn)
Rohan-Montbazon Brigade Rohan Montbazon (2 bns) Beauvoisis (2 bns)
Second Line Royal Allemand Brigade Royal-Allemand (2 sqns) Nassau-Sarrebruck (2 sqns) Wurtemberg (2 sqns) Cavalerie Ligeoise (2 sqns) Apchon Dragons (4 sqns = 800 men)
Artillery Right wing brigade (10 pieces) in front of the right wing Another brigade (18 pieces)
Light Troops Royal-Nassau Hussards Chasseurs de Fischer
Detached Royal Deux-Ponts (1 bn) in Sandershausen Royal Deux-Ponts (2 bns) in Kassel
References
This article incorporates texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Carlyle T., History of Friedrich II of Prussia vol. 18 Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 52-53 Other sources Cookman, David, Sandershausen 1758, Battlefields Vol. 1 Issue 6 Evrard P., Praetiriti Fides Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006 Service historique de l'arme de terre, A4, 27, pice 58 Yahoo Lace Wars Group Message No. 23657
1758-09-11 - Combat of Saint-Cast

French Victory
Prelude
Since the beginning of August 1758, a strong British amphibious force (12 bns, 9 light dragoons troops and 109 sails) under lieutenant-general Bligh was conducting raids on the French coasts of Normandy and Bretagne. After capturing Cherbourg (August 7), destroying its docks and burning its shipping; the British force sailed for Saint-Malo at the beginning of September. Troops were landed on September 4 and 5. The attack on Saint-Malo soon proved to be impracticable but in the meantime, weather had seriously worsened and admiral Howe had to abandon his anchorage at Saint-Lunaire. He instructed Bligh to rendezvous with the fleet at Saint-Cast, a few km west of Saint-Malo. Bligh set out towards Saint-Cast on September 7 and encamped near the Arguenon river. His army forded the Arguenon on September 9 at 3:00 pm. On September 10, resuming his march towards Saint-Cast, Bligh met a first force of 500 French troops who were easily repulsed. He then encamped at Matignon, sent his engineers to reconnoitre the beach at Saint-Cast and informed Howe that he intended to re-embark on September 11. Then, a battalion of the Coldstream regiment of Guards took possession of the ground to the right of the village of Saint-Cast, near the windmill. The bay was covered by an entrenchment made by the French to prevent a landing. The British began to modify these entrenchments to turn them against the French but work could not be completed for want of tools. It was proposed to choose another
beach, located between Saint-Cast and Saint-Guildo, but the proposal was rejected. However, in the meantime, the French had gathered troops near Saint-Cast. During the night, a battalion of the Coldstream regiment of Guards captured two small batteries and destroyed them.
Map
Map not yet available
Early in the morning of Monday September 11 (around 2:00 am), the British drums beat the Gnrale as usual, soon followed by the "Assembly". This immediately informed the French of the departure of the British army. The British troops then moved off in a single column, consuming a long time in the march of 5 km to Saint-Cast (they would arrive only at 9:00 am). At 4:00 am, the French were assembled on the heights of Saint-Cast. The duc d'Aiguillon arranged his small army into four corps. He then ordered three of these corps to advance upon Saint-Cast. By 6:00 am, the French had reached the coast. The British had deployed their rearguard in entrenchments built by the French Garde-Ctes militia several years earlier. Around 9:00 am, when the British troops finally reached the beach of Saint-Cast, embarkation immediately began under the cover of five frigates and three bomb-ketches. The first troops embarked on board the boats were mistakenly rowed too far in quest of their respective ships, loosing precious time. On their return, the flat bottomed boats were employed in carrying away horses and cows instead of men. Meanwhile, the French had appeared by a windmill to the left and played on the troops embarking from a battery of 10 guns and 8 mortars. They soon after marched down a hollow way to attack the British. As soon as the French troops appeared on the beach, the British ships severely played on them, putting them into great confusion. Nevertheless, the French formed in a long line under cover of small hills on the British right. At 11:00 am, when two-thirds of the British force had already been shipped, the left wing of the French army under d'Aubigny formed into columns and marched forward despite the fire from the frigates. The 300 grenadiers under the marquis de Cussi and the comte de Montaigu attacked first, soon followed by M. Latour d'Auvergne at the head ofBoulonnais Infanterie. The Brie and Fontenay-le-Comte regiments did the same. There were still some 3,000 British troops on the beach. General Drury, who commanded the British rearguard, consisting of 1,400 men of the Guards and all the grenadiers, was obliged to form his men behind protective sand banks across the beach to cover the embarkation. Twice he drove back the French but; when the French brought up their artillery and opened a furious fire; the British units panicked, broke and fled in the utmost confusion. Sir John Armitage was shot through the head at the beginning of the action,
many of the officers fell and a great number of men were slain. It soon became a dreadful carnage: some ran into the sea and endeavoured to save their lives by swimming towards the boats which were ordered to give them all possible assistance. Drury perished in the sea. The men were butchered both on the shore and in the water. So many of the British boats were destroyed that the sailors shrank from approaching the shore and were only kept to their work by the personal example of Howe who ordered himself to be rowed in his own boat through the thickest of the fire and brought off as many men as he could. During this time, several of the frigates continued to fire on the French army. However, the commodore ordered them to cease fire. Seeing this, the French officers and soldiers behaved instantly with the greatest generosity and moderation, giving immediate quarter and protection to the vanquished. This was quite surprising given the marauding, pillaging, burning and other excesses committed by the British during this expedition.
Outcome
In all 1,160 British officers and men were killed and wounded. General Drury was among the slain. The rest of the rearguard were taken prisoners (702 men and 30 officers). Of the British naval officers who were superintending the embarkation, captains Joshua Kowley, Jervis Maplesden and William Paston, and commander John Elphinstone, were taken. The further naval loss, however, was but 8 killed and 17 wounded. The French lost 445 men killed or wounded. It was the last British amphibious operation against the French mainland during this war. The next major British combined operation against France was launched only in1761 against the island of Belle-Isle.
Order of Battle
British Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: General Edward Bligh Summary: approximately 10,000 men Guards brigade 1st Regiment of Foot Guards (about half a battalion) 2nd Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards (only 1 battalion) under colonel Caesar 3rd Scots Regiment of Foot Guards (only 1 battalion)
1st brigade under general Mostyn seconded by major Vaughan 5th Bentwick's Regiment of Foot 67th Wolfe's Regiment of Foot 33rd Hay's Regiment of Foot
2nd brigade under major-general Boscawen seconded by major Wright 34th Effingham's Regiment of Foot 68th Lambton's Regiment of Foot 24th Cornwallis' Regiment of Foot
3rd brigade under major-general Elliot seconded by major Preston 30th Loudon's Regiment of Foot 72nd Duke of Richmonds Regiment of Foot 36th Manner's Regiment of Foot
Light Dragoons taken from various dragoon regiments (9 coys) Rear-guard under general Drury Converged grenadiers (12 coys) 1st Regiment of Foot Guards (about half a battalion)

Commander-in-chief: Emmanuel-Armand Vignot du Plessis Richelieu, duc d'Aiguillon and governor of Bretagne Summary: approximately 7,000 men Regulars (from right to left) Royal Vaisseaux (2 bns) Bourbon (2 bns) Coss Brissac (2 bns) Bresse (1 bn) Quercy (1 bn) Converged Grenadiers (300 men) Marboeuf Dragoons (2 sqns dismounted) Infantry (12 picquets) Boulonnais (1 bn) Brie (1 bn) Penthivre (2 bns) I./Volontaires trangers (1 bn)
Militia Fontenay-le-Comte (1 bn) Marmande (1 bn)
Garde-Ctes Militia Dol Saint-Malo
Treguier Dinan Morlaix Brest Saint-Brieuc
Artillery under Ville-Patour 10 guns 8 mortars
N.B.: the French forces were organised in four corps under M. de Balleroy (right), the marquis de Broc (centre), the marquis d'Aubigny (left and the marquis de Saint-Pern (reserve). The above order of battle is derived from a map entitled "Plan du combat de St-Cast" kept at the Municipal Library of Dinan
References
This article incorporates texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 286-294 Anonymous, Journal of the Campaign on the Coast of France 1758, 2nd edition, J. Townsend, London, 1758, pp. 95-102 Clowes, Wm. Laird, The Royal Navy A History from the Earliest Time to the Present, Vol. III, Sampson Low, Marston and Company, London: 1898, pp. 194-195 Fortescue, J. W., A History of the British Army, Vol. II, MacMillan, London: 1899, pp. 344345. Revue anglo-franaise, vol. 4, Poitiers: 1836, pp. 45-48
Other sources: Amiot, Pierre, Histoire de Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, Saint-Cast: 1990 Castex, Jean-Claude, Dictionnaire des batailles terrestres franco-anglaises de la Guerre de Sept Ans, Presse de l'universit Laval, Qubec: 2006 Horse and Musket Users Group Unknown author, La milice face aux incursions anglaises 2000
1758-09-29 - Assault on Bork

French Victory
In September 1758, during the French offensive in Westphalia, Contades wanted to restore the compromised reputation of the French army. He charged Saint-Pern, who was stationed with his corps near Lnen to control the bridges across the Lippe, to attack the isolated Allied observation corps under the duke of Holstein near Bork. Indeed, Holstein was posted in an advanced position some 20 km in front of Ferdinand's army. During the night of September 28 to 29, the French made themselves master of 2 bridges over the Lippe at Lnen and Beedeburg (unidentified location). They then passed the Lippe and marched during the night to approach Holstein's positions. At daybreak, favoured by the wooded nature of the terrain, the French managed to get close to the Allied camp unnoticed.
Saint-Pern was within gun range when Allied grenadiers posted as pickets in the woods gave the alarm. The Allies were taken completely by surprise, the troops still being in their tents. The French advanced their infantry through thickets while their cavalry kept the high road. The Allies had time to throw Druchtleben battalion and 2 guns into Bork. The French planted 4 batteries on an eminence. Inexplicably, Saint-Pern then ordered to cannonade the Allied camp rather that to storm it. This strange decision gave the Allies time to load up and to retire in good order towards Olfen before the French uselessly charged the abandoned Allied positions. The French, advancing in the woods, pursued cautiously Holstein's corps for a distance. The Allied rearguard deployed on the plain to oppose them. The French did not attack but retreated to Lnen where they repassed the Lippe. The same day, the French surprised an Allied post at Dalem (unidentified location) but this post was recaptured during the following night. In this action, the French only seized a few tents and cooking pots. They also captured 31 prisoners from among the posts that had been caught as they lost direction within the woods. Besides these prisoners, the Allies lost 6 killed, 12 wounded.
Outcome
Well planned but poorly executed, this surprise attack on Holstein's camp gave no tangible results.
Map
not yet available
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: lieutenant-general duke of Holstein Summary: 7 battalions, 10 squadrons and some light troops
Infantry (7 bns) major-general von Frstenberg Hessian Brigade (unidentified units) major-general Post Hanoverian Brigade (mostly unidentified units) Druchtleben (1 bn)
Prussian Cavalry (10 sqns) Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons (5 sqns) Finckenstein Dragoons (5 sqns)
Hanoverian Light Troops Jgers (detachment of unspecified strength)

Commander-in-chief: M. de Saint-Pern Grenadiers de France Brigade (4 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Modne Brigade Grenadiers Royaux de Modne (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux d'Aulan (2 bns)
Grenadiers Royaux de Bergeret Brigade Grenadiers Royaux de Bergeret (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Chantilly (2 bns)
Converged Grenadiers Navarre (6 coys) Palatine Grenadiers (4 coys) from the 2nd Brigade (unspecified units)
Carabiniers (10 sqns) 2 brigades of cavalry (12 sqns) (mostly unidentified units) Du Roy Cavalerie (2 sqns) unidentified cavalry regiments (10 sqns)
Artillery 4 x 8 pdrs.
References
Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 61-62 Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006
1758-10-10 - Battle of Lutterberg

French Victory
Prelude
In September, during the French offensive in Hesse, when Soubise advanced on Einbeck defended only by the small force of prince Ysenburg (7,500 men), Ferdinand of Brunswick detached general Oberg with 14,000 men to support him. In front of the combined forces of Ysenburg and Oberg, Soubise retired first on Gttingen and then on Kassel. The Allies were on his heels and soon the two armies were facing each other near Kassel. The situation remained stable until October 3 when Oberg learned that two strong detachments had been sent by the marquis de Contades to reinforce Soubise. The same night, Oberg crossed the Fulda and encamped on the plateau of Sandershausen. On October 9, the two detachments sent by Contades made their junction with Soubise who immediately crossed the Fulda and formed a line of battle in front of the Allied army.
Soubise plan for the battle was to turn the Allied left flank with Chevert's corps while Fitzjames would attack in the centre and himself would launch an assault against the Allied right wing on the plateau of Sandershausen. During the night of October 9 to 10, fearing for his lines of communication, Oberg decamped from the plateau of Sandershausen, passed the village of Landwehrhagen, he left only a detachment on the plateau to protect his retreat. He planned to recross the Fulda at Mnden. At 3:00 AM, lieutenant-general Chevert and Lusace began a long 8 km march around the Allied left flank through Dahlheim and a wooded area, crossing a small affluent of the Fulda. At dawn, Fitzjames marched to take position to the right of Soubise's corps. Meanwhile, Soubise sent detachments under MM. de Broglie, de Lanion and de Castries. Broglie reconnoitred the plateau of Sandershausen which was now devoid of any enemy troops. Soubise then formed his corps and Fitzjames' corps into 6 columns and crossed the brook of Bettenhausen. After the crossing of the brook of Sandershausen, Soubise rearranged his 6 columns into 8. Continuing his advance on the plateau of Sandershausen, Broglie came to contact with some Jger units who soon retired. Broglie then rapidly marched towards Landwehrhagen which had also been abandoned by the Allies.
When Oberg saw Broglie's forces close behind his army, he realized that it would be dangerous to continue his march towards Mnden through difficult terrain with the French so close behind his columns. He then decided to deploy his army with the infantry in two lines in the centre, a right wing of cavalry and the cavalry of the left wing positioned behind the infantry to the left. His right was anchored on light woods and heights, the village of Lutterberg behind his centre. His left wing extended to a thicket upon an eminence where 5 x 6-pdrs were placed. His front was covered by a deep and wide ravine with marshes at its bottom. The village of Lutterberg was behind the Allied lines and 4 x 12-pdrs were planted on the rising ground towards the village. About 7:00 AM, while waiting for the main body of the French army, Broglie reconnoitred the enemy position and cannonaded them to slow down their deployment. Upon reaching Landwehrhagen, Broglie was informed that Chevert was now some 3 km to his right. Indeed, Chevert had reached the village of Benterode which lay to his left. Fitzjames was also approaching this village, placing himself to the left of Chevert's corps. Learning of the movements of the Allies, Soubise personally joined Broglie to reconnoitre their positions. He then ordered his columns to speed up their advance. The columns, with artillery at their head, then advanced in good order and deployed under the supervision of MM. de Lugeac and du Mesnil. To the left, Soubise battleline was anchored on woods and on the scarps of the Fulda. His right extended to the village of Benterode. The hedges of the village of Landwehrhagen were occupied by the Waldner Infanterie brigade and 9 Wrttemberger battalions. Rohan Infanterie brigade linked this position to the Gendarmerie on left wing while the Commissaire Gnral Cavalerie brigade and other Wrttemberger units were placed behind Rohan. This section of the battleline was under the command of prince Camille assisted by MM. de Puysgur, de Raugrave and de Bezons. The infantry of the second line was under the command of the marquis de Crillon. Fitzjames' infantry was placed to the right of Landwehrhagen, extending to Benterode. Fitzjames' cavalry, under M. de Champignolles and the chevalier de Montbarrey, was placed in the third line of the centre. Chevert had now reached Sichelnstein. While his advanced units under M. de Chabot, chased enemy light troops in front of them, Chevert deployed his troops in two lines with his left 1 km to the right of Benterode and his right at Sichelnstein. He also formed a third line with his cavalry. At 1:00 PM, the entire French army was deployed in order of battle. It was resolved that the left and centre would stand still until Chevert would be ready to launch his attack. At 2:00 PM, Chevert received the order to attack. The French artillery positioned all along the line, opened a very efficient fire while Chevert debouched in three columns followed by his cavalry in front of the enemy positions. The Allies could barely return fire since most of their artillery was still on the road towards Mnden. Shortly after, Soubise ordered Fitzjames to advance. Oberg reacted by detaching major-general Zastrow from the right wing with 2 bns of the second line and 4 sqns to reinforce his left.
At 2:45 PM, Chevert's columns came to contact with the Allies left flank. Zastrow's battalions attacked the French with their bayonets and forced them to retire from the wood. Oberg sent 4 bns and 4 sqns of his second line to reinforce major-general Zastrow to prevent Chevert to deploy in the plain. He also placed 2 bns and 2 dragoon sqns of the second line behind a thin wood between the Allied left and Zastrow's corps. At 4:00 PM, Chevert began a brisk cannonade against this column with his 42 guns and simultaneously fell on Zastrow's corps. His first line was composed of infantry which Zastrow attacked with the bayonet and routed. However, a considerable line of cavalry was supporting this first line. Chevert then ordered Voyer and Bellefonds (at the head of the cavalry) to charge the Allied column. The cavalry attacked Zastrow's infantry in front and flank and broke it. Voyer was wounded during the charge. The attack of Chevert was the signal that the French army was waiting for. The left wing cavalry then swiftly advanced but was delayed by a dale and a brook. The Pimont, Castellas and Alsace infantry brigade advanced so rapidly that they soon reached the opposite slope, so did the artillery. As the Allied column retired in front of Chevert, his cavalry deployed in the plain. Eight sqns of Allied cavalry then advanced in good order and deployed to cover the retiring column. During the engagement that ensued, the cavalries of both sides clashed five times and the Allied cavalry was repeatedly pushed back. Meanwhile, the Saxon column stormed the Stodberg hill where the Allies had placed several batteries and an important force. The comte de Lusace attacked the position frontally while the baron d'Hyrn turned it. After some bitter fighting the Saxons remained master of the Stodberg. Meanwhile, the rest of the French army advanced against the front of the Allied first line. Faced with the success of the attack of Chevert, Oberg soon ordered the retreat towards the defile leading to Mnden. The French artillery opened on the Allies while they passed this defile, breaking down the artillery and ammunition wagons. Oberg then formed 3 to 4 bns in front of the defile. When the other corps of the French army reached the Allied positions they could only contemplate retiring cavalry units as darkness slowly took possession of the battlefield. During their retreat, the Allies abandoned most of their artillery on the road to Mnden and several soldiers were captured in the woods. Overall, the Allied losses during this action amounted to about 1,500 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners and 28 guns. The French army encamped for the night on the positions that it had conquered. During the night, the Allied army crossed the Werra, finally halting at Dransfeld.
Map
Reconstruction based on various documents.
Order of Battle
Summary: about 14,000 men in 17 bns and 20 sqns Commander-in-chief: Lieutenant-General von Oberg with von Ysenburg commanding the second line. First Line Second Line
Right Wing
Right Wing under major-general von Urff (?) Hanoverian Cavalry Busche Dragoons (4 sqns) Reden (2 sqns)
Hessian Cavalry Leib-Regiment (2 sqns)
Centre Infantry (from right to left) Zastrow Brigade under major-general von Zastrow Hanoverian von Block (1 bn) Hanoverian Jung-Zastrow (1 bn) Hanoverian Linstrow (1 bn) Bckeburg (1 bn)
Centre Cavalry Hessian Cavalry Brigade Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns) Prinz Wilhelm (2 sqns)
Frstenberg Brigade under major-general von Frstenberg, Hessian von Frstenberg (1 bn) Hessian Toll (1 bn) Hessian Erbprinz (1 bn) Brunswick Zastrow (1 bn)
Post Brigade under major-general Post Hanoverian von Post (1 bn) Hanoverian von Oberg (1 bn)
Diepenbroick Brigade under major-general von Diepenbroick Hanoverian von Diepenbroick (1 bn) Hessian Hanau (1 bn) Hanoverian Wangenheim (1 bn) Hanoverian "Neues Bataillon" von Marschalk(1 bn)
N.B.: only 700 men since 300 were detached to Osnabrck Kanitz Brigade under major-general Kanitz Hessian Canitz (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Ysenburg (1 bn) Hanoverian Fsiliers von Fersen (1 bn) Left Wing Cavalry
Left Wing under major-general von Bock (?)
Hanoverian Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian Jger Corps (2 coys)
Hessian Prschenk (2 sqns)
Hanoverian Artillery 4 x 12-pdrs 8 x 6-pdrs

The order of battle below is an approach to the historic composition of the French army at Lutterberg. Its the formation the army deployed into around noon, when the main forces columns had caught up with their vanguards, that now reformed with the line of battle. Summary: about 38,000 men and circa 40 guns in 78 bns and 52 sqns Commander-in-chief: prince de Soubise First Line Far Left under M. de Lanion(?) Rohan-Montbazon Brigade Rohan-Montbazon (2 bns) Beauvoisis (2 bns) Second Line Third Line
Volontaires "du Plessis" (about 250 infantrymen in a semipermanent light troops unit)
Royal-Nassau Hussards (4 sqns) (?)
Left Wing Cavalry under prince Camille de Lorraine assisted by MM. de Puysgur, de Raugrave and de Besons Gendarmerie de France Brigade (8 sqns) Commissaire Gnral Brigade Commissaire Gnral (2 sqns) unidentified cavalry regiment (2 sqns) Wrttemberg Brigade Infantry Centre under duc de Wurtemberg (2 sqns) Cavalerie Ligeoise(2 sqns) aka Raugrave Infantry Centre under the marquis Cavalry Reserve under M. de
Broglie assisted by MM. de Waldner and dOrlick Wrttemberg grenadiers Brigade (3 bns) Grenadier Battalion Nr. 1. von Plessen Grenadier Battalion Nr. 2. von Lengenfeld Grenadier Battalion Nr. 3. von BouwinghausenWalmerode 1st Wrttemberg Brigade Werneck (2 bns)formerly Fugarde Romann (2 bns)
de Crillon assisted by Carl von Wrttemberg (?) Waldner Brigade Waldner (2 bns) Diesbach (2 bns)
Champignelles and the chevalier de Montbarrey Royal Allemand Brigade Royal-Allemand (2 sqns) Nassau-Sarrebruck(2 sqns) Apchon DragonsBrigade (4 sqns) Royal-tranger Brigade Royal-tranger (2 sqns) La Viefville (2 sqns) Charost (2 sqns)
2nd Wrttemberg Brigade Prinz Louis (2 bns) Truchse (2 bns) Roeder (2 bns)
Allemands Etrangers Brigade unidentified German regiments (6 bns)
Alsace Brigade Alsace (3 bns) Saint-Germain (1 bn) (?)
Castellas Brigade Castellas (2 bns) Courten (2 bns) Planta (2 bns)
Pimont Brigade (4 bns)
Right Wing under the duc de Fitzjames La Marine Brigade La Marine (4 bns) La Couronne (2 bns) Touraine Brigade Touraine (2 bns) Chartres (2 bns)
Artillery Corps Royal de l'Artillerie battalion Loyaut under M. le chevalier de Pelletier and M. de Guiol 32 field guns
Chevert's Division Right column under the chevalier de Grollier and the baron dOsten vanguard of grenadiers (10 coys) under the vicomte de Belzunce
Belzunce Brigade under the prince de Rochefort Belzunce (4 bns) Rohan-Rochefort (2 bns)
2nd Palatine Brigade under Harscamp Baaden (2 bns) Osten (2 bns)
Centre column Saxon Reserve Kurprinzessin (2 bns) Lubormirsky (1 bn)
Artillery Brigade 8 field guns 34 battalion guns
Left column under the comte de Lusace assisted by MM. von Dyherrn, Goldberg and Kleinenberg vanguard of Saxon grenadiers (10 coys) under the comte von Solms Two Saxon Brigades consisting of: Prinz Friedrich August (2 bns) Prinz Maximilian (1 bn) Prinz Xaver (2 bns) Gardes (1 bn) Prinz Clemenz (1 bn) Rochow Fusiliers (1 bn) Prinz Gotha (1 bn) Minckwitz (1 bn) Graf Brhl (1 bn) Prinz Joseph (1 bn)
Cavalry under M. de Voyer assisted by M. de Bellefonds First Line Dauphin Brigade under M. de Prigord on the left Dauphin (2 sqns) Orlans (2 sqns) Chartres (2 sqns)
Cuirassiers Brigade under M. de St. Jal on the right Cuirassiers du Roy (2 sqns) Saint-Jal (2 sqns)
Chabrillan (2 sqns)
Second Line under M. de Bourbon-Busset Royal Pimont Brigade Royal Pimont (2 sqns) Bourbon-Busset (2 sqns) Trassigny (2 sqns)
Light Troops under the comte de Chabo on Chevert's right flank Lgion Royale Volontaires de Flandre Chasseurs de Fischer (8 foot coys)
Detachment under the marquis de Castries on the opposite (left) bank of the Fulda Aquitaine Brigade Aquitaine (2 sqns) 2 unidentified cavalry regiments (4 sqns)
Bercheny Hussards (6 sqns) probably some infantry Artillery (4 field guns)
References
Archenholz, J. W., The History of the Seven Years War in Germany, translated by F. A. Catty, Francfort, 1843, p. 230 Bourcet, M. de, Principes de la guerre de montagnes Ministre de la guerre, Paris, 1775, pp. 201- 206 Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 64-66 Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006
1759-04-13 - Battle of Bergen

French Victory

When Ferdinand of Brunswick heard of the capture of Frankfurt early in January 1759, he resolved to risk a long march at this bad season and to attack de Broglie near this town. He
hoped to paralyse French operations in this region by severing them from their base. Ferdinand first launched diversionary operations against Hessen. He then launched a surprise attack on the French positions. However, Broglie managed to concentrate a French force at the fortified town Bergen blocking the road to Frankfurt.
Initial Manoeuvres
On April 12, Broglie's army bivouacked near Bergen. He deployed Royal-Sudois, Royal DeuxPonts, Waldner and Planta in the orchards near Bergen. In the evening of April 12, the Allies designed their plan of attack: the Hereditary Princewould be in the vanguard, Ysenburg on the left, Holstein-Gottorp on the right. They would deploy in the country between Vilbel and Bergen. Ferdinand assumed that Bergen was occupied by only some 2 to 3,000 French troops and decided for a quick attack without artillery for the next day. Indeed, the artillery had been left behind in the mud. Orders were sent at midnight. Troops had to concentrated at their starting positions around Rossdorf and Kilianstdten, 3 km south of Windecken. The hour of the attack was fixed at 6:00 AM on April 13. However the short time allowed to deploy (only 6 hours) made it impossible for every units to reach their assigned positions in due time.
Map and initial deployment
Map of the battle of Bergen on April 13 1759 Source: Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen, volume III by the GermanGrosser Generalstab
The area where the battle was fought is comprised between Frankfurt to the south-west, the Nidda river to the north and the Main river to the south-east. The southern half of the battlefield was boggy and flat and ended in a transversal slope forming a plateau. This plateau was
steeper in the front than on the flanks. The fortified village of Bergen stood in the middle of the slope, surrounded gardens delimited by hedges. It was built near a crossroad where many roads converged. One of these roads led to Fechenheim on the banks of the Main river, a second to Frankfurt, a third eastwards. Furthermore, two parallels sunken roads led northwards, one of them to Vilbel on the Nidda. Ground was soft and muddy, very difficult to pass by heavy guns and carriages. To the north of Bergen, there was an open country with two hills, behind the two sunken roads: the Wartberg and the Am Hohen Stein. Two-thirds of the country between Bergen and the river Nidda, was covered with trees and broken by streams tributary of this river. A third hill, the Friedberger Warte, stood near the Bergen-Frankfurt road. On the top of the Wartberg, there was a tower commanding the village of Bergen. The village consisted of fortified houses and manors and was surrounded by a wall. Eastward, between the slope and the Main river, stood the village of Bischofheim.
Battle
On April 13, at daybreak, Broglie deployed his army in order of battle. His right was anchored on the village of Bergen and continued up to Frankfurt on a quite steep terrain interspersed with orchards separated by hedges. Appletrees were fell to form abatis. His left was anchored on a wood along the Nidda river. He placed his cavalry in 3 lines on the wings, keeping the dragoons in reserve. He also placed 8 bns in and around the village of Bergen and 5 additional bns (Pimont and I./Royal Roussillon) behind the village of Bergen, supported by 2 bns of Alsace Infanterie. Then, formed in columns came 8 bns (Castellas, Diesbach, Rohan Montbazon and Beauvoisis). The left of the infantry centre consisted of the Saxon rgts along with a reserve of 11 French bns deployed behind the left wing, behind the Wartberg, in regimental columns. Broglie's artillery was deployed along his front. The Hereditary Princes column advanced first. He sent detachments to Friedberg, Giessen and Hanau, while the duke of HolsteinGottorp halted in Langenbergheim and Ysenburg in Markbel. At 6:00 AM on April 13, an increasing musketry fire began to tell. After a fight, Freytag's light troops who were marching at the head of the vanguard occupied Markbel to the north-east of Bergen, pushing back the French picquets. They were followed by 2 squadrons of Ruesch Black Hussars and by the Hereditary Princes column. At 8:00 AM, the Hereditary Princes column reached the cover of the eastern slope of the Am Hohen Stein. Ferdinand accompanied the vanguard, hurrying soldiers to march quickly, to reach enemy as fast as possible. By this time, the French army was completely deployed. The Allied light troops attacked the Volontaires dAlsace (approx. 450 men) occupying advanced posts. Broglie wrote to Saint-Germain, asking him to speedily march towards Bergen with his corps.
Ysenburgs column closely followed the vanguard. However, the duke of Holstein-Gottorp's column, to the right of Ysenburg, was 3 hours late. Ferdinand reconnoitred the ground between Am Hohen Stein and Vilbel. But from there he only had a partial view of the enemy lines. He could see many regiments in front and in Bergen, but none of the reserves behind Bergen and the Wartberg. Ferdinand considered that the enemy was just arriving and not in full possession of the ground. Consequently, he ordered an attack on Bergen. Freytag marched to the north to fix the Saxons. He captured Vilbel, destroying a pontoon. Meanwhile, Broglie had assembled his generals behind the Wartberg tower and had given them his instructions, insisting on a stubborn defence of the town of Bergen. He also took dispositions for an eventual retreat. At 9:30 AM. Allied troops advanced on 3 columns on Bergen. At 10:00 AM, the action began. The Hereditary Prince with Hessian and Brunswicker units attacked from the north, followed soon by Gilsa advancing from the east. A violent musketry fire hit the advancing Allied troops who, disorganised by orchards and hedges, were soon disordered. At last they slowly fell back, answering shot to shot to defenders. The French regiment most heavily involved in this fire fight were Planta and Royal Sudois. Ferdinand, escorted by a grenadier company, accompanied the first line. He was swept along with the retreating units. However, he immediately rode to 2 grenadier companies deployed near the Am Hohen Stein by the Hereditary Prince and ordered them to attack. This gave the opportunity to the retreating battalions to rally and to advance behind the grenadiers. A few Allied guns (2 x 6-pdrs and 1 x 12-pdrs) opened fire to support them. While withstanding heavy losses, the grenadiers conquered orchards and farms and reached the eastern sunken road. After a minute to take breath in the sunken road, they advanced in the open ground at the eastern outskirts of Bergen, just by the wall. Under a heavy fire and defending themselves with violent volleys, the Allied grenadiers reached the wall, but were slowed by an abatis. The French then fire on them at point-blank range while a battery took them in enfilade fire. The grenadiers were stopped and thrown back by a mass of French infantry coming from the rear of the village. In fact, two battalions of Pimont Infanterie and the first battalion of Royal Roussillon Infanterie, advanced along the main street of Bergen but were thrown back by a volley at less than 50 paces. Despite this initial check, others French companies attacked at the point of the bayonet and repulsed the Allied grenadiers who immediately counter-attacked pushing their French opponents back into a vineyard. Then four French grenadier companies belonging to Pimont and Royal Roussillon launched an attack as they emerged from the village. Seeing this the other French battalions rallied, returned from the vineyard and supported the French grenadiers. The Allied grenadiers were finally forced to retire and the French captured two 6-pdrs.
Broglie, who was watching the battle from the Wartberg, sent 15 additional battalions around the village, 11 from the north and 4 from the south, overpowering the Allies.Rohan Montbazon Infanterie and Beauvoisis Infanterie charged with the bayonet andRoyal Bavire Infanterie pursued the retiring Allies. Prince Ferdinand ordered a Brunswicker battalion to move against the four French battalions emerging at the south of Bergen to cover the Allied grenadiers. French were in their time repulsed and the Brunswickers and the grenadiers advanced for the third time towards Bergen. Broglie recalled every unit at his disposal, even the Saxons. He managed to collect 23 battalions and personally led them to the attack. The exhausted Allied units were driven back and could not rally before reaching the cover of Am Hohen Stein. During this combat, von Gilsa was wounded. Meanwhile Ysenburgs column had reached the field and 4 Hessian squadrons and a Hessian battalion were immediately ordered to form line and to attack. This allowed the exhausted grenadiers to rally and to resume their gallant advance. The sunken road was conquered for the second time and the abatis reached. But for the second time the abatis halted the Allies who were forced to retire. For some time the bloody battlefield fell silent. Ferdinand ordered forwards every gun he could collect to support the advance of Ysenburgs entire column. The Allied launched a fourth attack covered by intense musketry and gun fire. Nevertheless, after a little time, they were caught into violent artillery fire from the sunken road: Broglie had deployed every gun he could collect from batteries along the eastern side of the road. From this place they poured a devastating fire into the advancing columns. Despite this lively artillery fire, the Hanoverians and Hessians orderly deployed themselves into line and marched ahead for the fifth time aiming straight at Bergen. Behind them the remains of Gilsas battalions rallied and followed up. However, this was a fight against all odds. The enormous difference of number began to tell, as Broglie threw against them all available battalions, personally leading Rohan Montbazon Infanterie. Thus, 19 Allied battalions, of whom only 9 were fresh, faced 30 French battalions. Ysenburg fell killed while trying to rally his men. Outnumbered by five to one, the Allies fell back, leaving behind many dead and wounded. The Hereditary Prince with some troops covered their retreat, while Ferdinand ordered Urffs 4 squadrons to charge. These squadrons met considerable success, charging the triumphant French battalions in flank, routing them and reaching the walls of Bergen before infantry fire forced them to retire. Meanwhile Ferdinand was rallying the crowd of disordered troops which were regrouping behind the Am Hohen Stein, under the cover of a line of Allied cavalry who had repulsed some French squadrons which have tried to pursue Ysenburgs defeated infantry. When Broglie ordered the
artillery deployed in the sunken road to concentrate its fire on these Allied cavalry units, Schulenburg (who had now replaced Ysenburg) called them back. At last, the duke of HolsteinGottorps column appeared on the battlefield with 4 heavy guns. Broglie remained in his strong position without attempting any offensive action.However, he moved his reserve in a position from which it could support both wings. The duke of Holstein-Gottorp ordered his column to deploy, along with 21 heavy guns, to the right of what remained of the Hereditary Princes column. Ferdinand reconnoitred the French positions and observed enemy battalions advancing from the Wartberg. Ferdinand suspected a French attack but this was only Broglie trying to reinforce his lines with fresh troops. The gunners of both armies engaged into an artillery duel that lasted until sunset. During the night, the Allies retired with the Hereditary Princes column forming the rearguard. Broglie maintained his position while Saint-Germain arrived at Bergen with his corps to reinforce him.
Outcome
The Allies lost 415 dead, 1,770 wounded, the French 500 dead and 1,300 wounded. Ferdinand's plan to drive the French out of Hesse had failed and he retired towards Minden.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick Summary: 40 squadrons, 27 battalions, 21 field guns and approximately 46 battalion guns; for a total of about 22,000 men plus 1,900 light troops in 13 companies (excluding Prussian hussars). N.B.: According to strength report dated April 1759, the average Allied battalion strength was about 600 men while a squadron averaged some 150 men. Vanguard Hanoverian Jgercorps (3 mounted coys or about 240 men) aka Freytag Hanoverian Jgercorps (6 foot coys or about 600 men) Prussian Ruesch Black Hussars (2 sqns)
First column (or avant-garde column) under the Hereditary Prince Vanguard under major-general von Gilsa (4 sqns, 2 bns) Detachment of Hessian Grenadiers (ca. 100 men) Hessian Leib-Dragoner (4 sqns) Brunswick Converged Grenadier Battalion Dehne (2 coys Leib-Regiment and 2 coys Imhoff)
Brunswick Converged Grenadier Battalion Cramm (2 coys Zastrow and 2 coys Behr)
Artillery (2 x 6-pdrs, 1 x 12-pdrs)
Main Force (9 bns, 7 sqns) Brunswick Zastrow (1 bn) Hessian Mansbach (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Anhalt (1 bn) Brunswick Imhoff (2 bns) Brunswick Behr (2 bns) Brunswick Leib-Regiment (2 bns) British 2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons (2 sqns) aka Grey Dragoons British 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons (2 sqns) British Royal Horse Guards (3 sqns) a.k.a. The Blues Artillery (2 x 6-pdrs, 2 x 12-pdrs, 3 howitzers
Second column (or left column) under prince von Jsenburg assisted by lieutenant-general von der Schulenburg Vanguard (1 bn, 6 sqns) Hessian and Hanoverian Converged Grenadier Battalion von Mirbach (1 bn) Hanoverian Dachenhausen Dragoons (4 sqns) Hanoverian Hammerstein Cavalry (2 sqns)
Main force under major-general von Urff (10 sqns, 9 bns), from left to right Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian Pruschenk Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Leib-Regiment Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Wilhelm Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Post (1 bn) Hanoverian Linstrow (1 bn) Hanoverian Monroy (1 bn) Hanoverian Wrede (1 bn) Hanoverian Fersen (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Carl (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Ysenburg (1 bn) Hessian Canitz (1 bn) Hessian Hessen-Hanau (1 bn) Artillery (11 x 12-pdrs)
Third column under duke von Holstein assisted by lieutenant-general Granby, prince von Anhalt and von Wutginau Vanguard Hessian Jgers (4 coys mixed horse and foot) Detachment of Volontaires de Prusse (unknown strength) aka Trmbach Prussian Ruesch Black Hussars (1 sqn) Hessian Grenadier Battalion Faust (1 bn)
Main force (10 sqns, 5 bns), from right to left Prussian Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons (5 sqns) Prussian Finckenstein Dragoons (5 sqns) Hessian Garde (1 bn) Hessian Leib-Grenadiers (1 bn) Hessian Erbprinz (1 bn) Hessian Leib-Regiment (1 bn) Hessian Gilsa (1 bn)

Commander-in-chief: Victor Franois, duc de Broglie Summary: 44 squadrons, 46 battalions, 45 field guns and about 66 battalion guns (incl. 16 Saxon); for a total of about 30,000 men plus 450 light troops N.B.: The average French battalion strength was about 450 men while a squadron averaged some 120 men. Advanced Positions First Line Second Line Third Line
Right Wing under prince Camille de Lorraine seconded by comte dOrlick and marquis de Saint-Chamond French troops occupying Bergen behind Bergen (deployed in regimental columns) Pimont (4 bns) I./Royal Roussillon (1 bn) behind Bergen (deployed in regimental columns) Alsace (2 bns) behind Bergen (deployed in regimental columns) Castellas (2 bns) Diesbach (2 bns) Rohan Montbazon (2 bns) Beauvoisis (2 bns)
Planta (2 bns) Waldner (2 bns)
RoyalSudois (2 bns)
Royal DeuxPonts (2 bns) Centre under comte de Beauprau seconded by marquis de Castries
Artillery guns Cavalry behind the Cavalry Dragoon Reserve deployed along the Wartberg sunken road to the Penthivre Brigade Du Roy Dragons (4 east of the Commissaire Gnral sqns) Penthivre(2 Wartberg under Brigade chevalier de sqns) La Feronnaye (4 sqns) Pelletier Commissaire Moustiers (2 Gnral (2 sqns) sqns) Royal Artillerie Balincourt (2 Poly (2sqns) - Chabri(1 bn) sqns) Des Salles Brigade with 45 guns in Archiac (2 sqns) Des Salles (2 sqns) 8 batteries Lameth Brigade Vienne (2 sqns) Saint Lameth (2 sqns) Vogu (2 sqns) Germain (1 bn) Montcalm (2 on the sqns) Wartberg Toustain-Viray (2 sqns) Left Wing under baron de Dyherrn, north of the Wartberg near Vilbel 1st Saxon Brigade Garde zu Fuss(1 bn) Kurprinzessin (1 bn) Prinz Friedrich August (1 bns) Prinz Karl Maximilian (1 bn) Prinz Joseph (1 bn) Prinz Anton (1 bn) Apchons Dragons (4 sqns) Cavalry Royal-Allemand Brigade Royal-Allemand (2 sqns) Nassau (2 sqns) Wurttemberg (2 sqns) Cavalerie Ligeoise (2 sqns)
2nd Saxon Brigade Prinz Xaver (1 bn) Prinz Clemenz(1 bn) Graf Brhl (1 bn) Frst Lubomirsky (1 bn) Rochow Fusiliers (1 bn) Prinz Sachsen-
Gotha (1 bn) Artillery (16 x 4-pdrs) Left Wing Reserve, deployed in regimental columns behind the Wartberg Dauphin Brigade Dauphin (2 bns) Enghien (2 bns)
Anhalt Brigade Anhalt (2 bns) Bergh (1 bn)
Royal Bavire Brigade Royal Bavire (2 bns) Nassau Prince Louis (2 bns)
Light Troops Volontaires dAlsace (approx. 450 men), deployed en tirailleur in the woods near Vilbel in front of the Saxon line Detachment Chasseurs de Fischer occupying Friedberg Eptingen Infanterie left behind as garrison in Frankfurt
References
Carlyle T. History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Vol. 19 vrard, Philippe, Praetiriti Fides Fortescue J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 478-498. Jomini, baron de, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, Vol. 3, 2nd ed., Magimel, Paris, 1811, pp. 7-10 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. IV, Paris, 1891, pp. 370-371 Pengel and Hurt, Allied armies in Germany during the Seven Years War Rogge, Christian, The French and Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt: 2007 Savory, Reginald, His Britannic Majesty's Army in Germany during the Seven Years War, Oxford University Press: 1966
Susane, Louis, Histoire de l'infanterie franaise, Librairie Militaire Maritime et Polytechnique de J. Corrard, Paris: 1876 Westphalen, Christian Heinrich Philipp, Geschichte der Feldzge des Herzogs Ferdinand von Braunschweig-Lneburg, Berlin: 1859 Wikipedia, Battle of Bergen Acknowledgements User:Carlo bessolo for the entire initial version of this article
1759-07-01 - Attempt on Lippstadt

Allied Victory
Introduction
The following document is a letter sent by the Comte de Melfort on July 3 1759, describing the French unsuccessful attempt on Lippstadt on July 1 1759.
Document
From Halle, July 3 1759 Sir, It has been impossible to me to report earlier on what happened last Sunday, July 1. Around 1:00 P.M., I was ordered by the marchal de Contades to march, with all that I could gather from my brigade and with 300 dragoons who should join me, on the town of Lippstadt, to repulse any troop that would be outside, and to summon the governor to surrender by telling him that the army of the Hereditary Prince was in full march to retire on the Lower Weser, that he had no hope to be rescued and that consequently, if he did not instantly surrender his place, he could not expect any kind of capitulation. An hour after receiving this letter, I was heading for Lippstadt by the right bank of the Lippe. As time was pressing me, having 3 and a half lieues (about 14 km) to do before approaching, I left without waiting for the 300 dragoons, who however, because of my infantry, joined me on my way. The enemies had in front of Lipperode, a village half a lieue (about 2 km) from Lippstadt, a redoubt that they abandoned as our troops approached. In Lipperode, we began to find some luckemburgs (?) (maybe Bckeburg Carabiniers) who hastily retired.
At the left of the village, there is a small brook on which there is a drawbridge, where I sent a lieutenant and 20 dismounted dragoons, that I supported with the rest of the piquet. I sent a cavalry piquet of my brigade to the right of the village with instructions to push forward many small outposts to cover my right flank. And since I did not want to let the enemies time to reconnoitre, I debouched with my vanguard on the terrain separating the glacis of the town from the hedges of the village of Lipperode, where I left my troops formed in columns, occupying only half of the highway. As soon as we debouched from the hedges, they cannonaded us and I noticed jgers retiring on the town by the right and left flanks of the village. Since in this position we were at half-range for their guns and they were shooting some 19-pdr cannonballs, I did not consider appropriate to debouch with more cavalry until the infantry arrived. This way, the jgers, seeing that we were remaining on our position, came back on our flanks. But having dismounted 100 dragoons we soon chased them back, even though two troops of infantry were marching to their support. As soon as the head of my infantry appeared, I launched 100 horses upon them. They pushed them back up to the glacis and captured them 3 soldiers, a grenadier and abackemberg (?) (maybe Bckeburg Carabiniers). As I considered having fulfilled the first objective of my mission who was to repulse any troop that would be outside the town, I prepared to fulfill the second and ordered the marquis de Vass, who while we are on the subject I congratulate myself to have chosen as lieutenantcolonel of the Volontaires Ligeois, to go with a drummer make the summon that I had to do. He did so, in the middle of musketry, with the best grace possible. After managing to explain that he had to negotiate, he came to tell me that the Hanoverian officer had warned him that he would fire his guns if I did not stop the skirmishers from firing. Even though I sent orders upon orders, it was impossible to stop them and I was obliged to go by myself. It was only half an hour later that I was able to have all my people under control. I then approached the place where the negotiations took place. An English colonel, aide de camp of the Hereditary Prince, asked if I was the one commanding the troops. Once he had been told that this was me, he came to talk to me and told me that he had thought that the summon that had just been made to M. d'Ardemberg was a joke. However, he considered that M. de Melfort, whom he had heard advantageous comments from the Hereditary Prince, was unable to undertake such a thoughtless action without order from his general. He invited me to look at the place, and guaranteed me that it was well supplied, that there was a sufficient garrison, and that, if M. de Melfort commanded the place, he was sure that he would not surrender it upon a simple summon. I answered him that circumstances sometimes forced the bravest men to behave according to political principles when their means and forces were not at
par with their courage. Furthermore, I declared to him that I was charged to assure him that M. dArdemberg could not hope for any capitulation if he waited the place to be besieged. He answered me that brave men, to save their honour, should be ready to incur all kinds of dangers, and that, by doing their duty, they rather expected to deserve the esteem of the French than to receive a treatment which their generosity would make them unable to apply. Furthermore, since he was not carrying any response from M. d'Ardemberg, if I wanted to summon him in writing, he would deliver it to him although he believed that he had guessed his thoughts and that his answer would be negative. After having waited till night, I received a written answer that I could read only when I returned to Lipperode. In substance, he knew too well the Hereditary Prince's manoeuvres to believe that if he had moved back, it was only to jump better. A verbal answer also mentioned that, if in 15 minutes the French troops were still at the same place, he would begin to fire again. Besides that, prisoners told us that there were from 4 to 5,000 men in the place. Here is everything that I could learn during this day. I have the honour to be, Sir, your very obliging and very obedient servant. Melfort.
Outcome
The French detachment retired without gaining any advantage.
Map
Map of the French attempt on Lippstadt.
Courtesy: Philippe vrard
1. Lipperode, a village 30 minutes from Lippstadt. 2. Drawbridge on a brook where a piquet of dragoons was placed. 3. French piquet of cavalry of the Volontaires to cover the right flank of the village. 4. French infantry piquet to cover the right flank of the cavalry column. 5. Hanoverian jgers firing at the head of the column. 6. French dismounted piquet of dragoons exchanging fire with the jgers. 7. French cavalry column ready to debouch.
8. French dragoons positioned to support the cavalry. 9. Retreat of the Hanoverian jger unit on the right and left. 10. French Infantry positioned to support the skirmishers of the infantry as well as of the cavalry. 11. French skirmishers. 12. Hanoverian skirmishers. 13. Marshy terrain. 14. Hanoverian troops. 15. Road to Mnster. +. Place where the conference took place.
Order of Battle
not yet available

Commander-in-chief: comte de Melfort not yet available
References
vrard, Philippe, Praetiriti Fides Services historiques de l'arme de terre, A1 3518, pice 40
1759-08-01 - Battle of Minden

Allied Victory

Did you know that...
In 1759, Voltaire published the satire Candide ou l'optimisme. To preserve Voltaire's anonymity, the satire was initially attributed to Dr. Ralph, a German doctor. A new edition with amendments was published in 1761. The English title of this edition was Candide, or Optimism. Translated from the German of Dr. Ralph. With the additions found in the Doctor's pocket when he died at Minden, in the Year of Grace 1759. In 1762, Candide was listed in the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, the Roman Catholic Church's list of prohibited books.
At the beginning of July 1759, a French force under the duc de Brogliecaptured the town of Minden by surprise, thus securing a bridge over the Weser and getting access to
In 1768, Voltaire finally recognized paternity of this controversial satire. Acknowledgement: Leonard Dorn for this interesting anecdote
Hanover. By July 16, themarquis de Contades had joined Broglie at Minden with the main French army. Meanwhile,Ferdinand of Brunswickconcentrated the Allied army and methodically approached the town. On July 29, Ferdinand, leaving Wangenheim's corps in its entrenched positions at Todtenhausen, advanced to Fredewald and Hille with the rest of his army. The British held the place of honour on the right of the line and picquets were pushed on forward. A small corps under Gilsa was sent to Lbbecke to maintain communication with the Hereditary Prince. Furthermore, Ferdinand made sure that his left could rapidly link with Wangenheim's right. Ferdinand had ordered his army to hold itself ready to march at 1:00 AM. the following day. Contades, ignoring these dispositions, considered that the Allied army was dispersed. With his lines of communication with Kassel cut, it looked very tempting to engage a battle against Ferdinand. In preparation for such an endeavour, Contades detached the duc de Brissac with 8,000 men to Gohfeld to cover the Hereditary Prince, he also threw 19 bridges over the Bastau for the passage of his troops across it in as many columns, and he ordered Broglie to be ready to cross the Weser with his corps to form a 9 column upon his right and to attack Todtenhausen and Bevern's camp at Petershagen. To do so, Contades reinforced Broglie with the Grenadiers de France, the Grenadiers Royaux, 6 guns and 4 howitzers. The grenadiers were destined to form Broglie's 3rd line. Contades could bring 51,000 men with 162 guns into the plain of Minden while Ferdinand could oppose him 41,000 men and 170 guns.
th
Map
Ferdinand's posts extended from the Weser river and Todtenhausen round by Stemmern, Holzhausen, to Hartum and the bog of Bastau, in various villages and woody patches and favourable spots, all looking in upon Minden. His positions formed a kind of arc 8 or 11 km from Minden. Initially Contade was deployed south of the Bastau to the west of Minden.
Map of the battle of Minden - Source: "History of the British Army" volume II by J. W. Fortescue
On Tuesday evening July 31, the French camp was all alert in the darkness. More than 50,000 French were in motion. Contades had 19 bridges ready on the Bastau brook, in front of him. He planned to march his army across these bridges, to its various stations on the plain of Minden. The same evening, Ferdinand ordered that, at 1:00 AM, the army should be ready to march; that the cavalry must be saddled (Sackville never received or ignored this order for his cavalry got saddled only by 4:00 AM) ; the artillery horses harnessed, and the infantry gathered; but tents were not to be struck, nor the troops put under arms till further orders. On August 1, about midnight, Contades' army came out of its camp in 8 columns. Meanwhile, Broglie passed the Weser by the town bridge, formed a ninth column to the right of the French army and gradually ranked himself opposite Todtenhausen. Around 1:00 AM, two French deserters were brought in by a picquet to the prince of Anhalt, general officer of the day in the Allied army, with the important intelligence that the whole French army was in motion. Ferdinand had seen signs of some stir on the previous evening, and had directed that, on the observance of the slightest movement at the advanced posts, information should be brought to him at once. Around 3:00 AM, a messenger arrived at Ferdinand's headquarters from Anhalt with the news. Instantly Ferdinand called the whole of his troops to arms, and ordered them to march to their appointed positions. His orders had already been issued, and were clear and precise enough. At about the same moment, a French battery of 6 guns began to cannonade Ferdinand's headquarters at Hille. A French corps was deployed nearby to make a false attack on Hille to distract Ferdinand's attention from their main effort on the Allied left wing. However, Ferdinand contented himself with sending 2 heavy guns to Hille and instructing the Allied forces posted there to hold to the last extremity.
The morning was very misty. Broglie's instructions were to root Wangenheim and then to take advantage of the 5 km gap between Ferdinand and Wangenheim. Even though his plan called for an attack on the Allied army at 5:00 AM, Contade's troops wasted many hours to form after crossing the Bastau. By 5:00 AM, Broglie, a capable officer, had crossed the Weser, taken up his appointed position on the right close to the Weser, and made his dispositions to fall upon Wangenheim, punctually and in good order. But he dared not attack until the rest of the army was formed. Meanwhile, Contades' main army was forming in order of battle on the plain of Minden. His cavalry occupied the heath in the centre and his infantry on the left extended to the morass near the village of Hahlen. From 5:00 AM, Ferdinand was issuing from his camp, advancing eastward, closing on Contades. The advance was to be in 8 columns: 1st column: cavalry of the right wing 2nd column: heavy artillery of the right wing 3rd and 4th columns: infantry of the right wing 5th column: heavy artillery of the centre 6th and 7th column: infantry of the left wing 8th column: cavalry of the left wing
The Allied centre included 6 British infantry battalions. With the Allies, 7 out of the 8 columns were formed and marched off with great promptitude but in Sackville's column all was confusion and delay. Some of the regiments were ready and others were not. Sackville himself was not to be found. It was no good beginning for the British cavalry who was supposed to form the right wing at Hahlen. There was therefore every likelihood that the village on which Ferdinand had intended to rest his right flank, might be occupied by the French before Sackville could be there to prevent them. Around 5:00 AM, Wangenheim's corps moved out of its camp through the openings previously made in the dyke and formed in order of battle as follows (from right to left): 18 cavalry sqns 8 infantry bns in the hedges of Kutenhausen grenadiers batteries of Thonhausen
While Ferdinand's columns were on the march, Broglie began to cannonade Wangenheim's positions around Todtenhausen. Broglie persisted in this tactic for 3 hours.
To compensate for the delay of Sackville's column, Ferdinand galloped away to Hartum and ordered the picquets stationed therein to move at once to Hahlen, and then hurried back with all speed to the latter village, only to learn the bad news that it was already in possession of the French. Meanwhile not a word had come from Wangenheim, who, for aught he knew, might be in serious difficulties. Ferdinand then despatched his solitary aide-de-camp to Todtenhausen to ascertain how matters were going on the left. Between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, the Allied columns deployed in order of battle from Hartum and Hahlen to their right and Stemmeren to their left. According to Ferdinand's instructions, the Allied picquets under the prince of Anhalt were deployed in front of the cavalry of the right wing near Hahlen. About 7:00 AM, a French battery of the left wing opened against the second Allied column of artillery on its march and raked it. The British brigade forming part of this column deployed and returned fire and silenced the French battery within 10 minutes. By 7:00 AM and even by 8:00 AM, Contade's troops were still struggling to take position. Some columns were too close, others too distant. His line was convex in form, following, as it were, the contour of the walls of Minden, with the right resting on the Weser and the left on the morass. At the extreme right, Broglie's corps on the right was drawn up in two lines, the first of infantry, the second of cavalry, with two powerful batteries in advance. The ground on both wings was rough and quite unfit for cavalry. Therefore, Contades put his entire cavalry in the centre. These 10,000 horses were the flower of the French Army, they had firm open ground ahead of them and strong batteries and masses of infantry to support on each flank. The batteries were positioned to catch any assailant in cross-fire. However, the French left wing of infantry was late in arriving at its position, and its tardiness was not without effect on the issue of the action. By 8:00 AM, the British cavalry under Sackville had finally taken position at the village of Hartum. Contades and Broglie together had 57,000 foot and horse. Ferdinand's entire force was near 42,000 men, excluding the detachment sent towards Gohfeld under the Hereditary Prince. Broglie, realising that his cannonade was producing no tangible results and that Wangenheim was opposing him a larger force than expected, went to Contades to request reinforcements. Soon after 8:00 AM, combats began. As Ferdinand feared, the French right wing advanced against Wangenheim, attacking him at Kuttenhausen. But meanwhile a furious cannonade began about Hille on the French left, where the causeway issued from the western end of the morass. However, Ferdinand had already sealed up the outlet of the causeway with 500 men and two guns. Nevertheless, to make assurance still surer, Ferdinand then ordered two more guns and Gilsa's detachment from Lbbecke to Hille. He also sent information to the Hereditary Prince of what was passing. After making sure that his columns were advancing, Ferdinand turned his attention back on Hahlen. There, the prince of Anhalt had duly brought up the
picquets and 2 howitzers from Hartum before Hahlen, as directed, but had halted instead of clearing the French out of the village. This inaction had delayed the deployment of the whole of Sprcken's column. Ferdinand then ordered the prince of Anhalt to take at once the village, occupied by 2 French bns during the night, which Anhalt finally did after three assaults, driving the French back to Dtzen along the marshes. After the occupation of Hahlen, matters on the right began to adjust themselves for the Allies. Ferdinand ordered captain Foy's battery to the front of the village, to cover the formation of the troops, and was soon satisfied by the admirable working of these British guns that all was safe in that quarter. Meanwhile his aide-de-camp returned from Todtenhausen with intelligence that Wangenheim was holding his own, though the enemy had gained ground on Wangenheim's right, where his flank was uncovered. Observing the excellent practice of Foy's battery before Hahlen, Ferdinand had already sent Macbean's British battery to join it and ordered Haase's Hanoverian brigade of heavy guns to the same position. Then seeing Sprcken's column of British infantry in the act of deployment, he sent orders that its advance, when the time should come, should be made with drums beating. The order was either misdelivered or misunderstood, for to his surprise the leading British brigade shook itself up and began to advance forthwith. A flight of aides-de-camp galloped off to stop them and the British line halted behind a belt of fir-wood to await the formation of the rest of the army. In the first line of Sprcken's division stood, counting from right to left, the 12th Foot, 37th Foot and 23rd Foot under brigadier Waldegrave. In the second line, which extended beyond the first on each flank, the 20th Foot, 51st Foot and 25th Foot under brigadier Kingsley, Hardenberg's Hanoverian battalion, and 2 battalions of Hanoverian Foot Guards. There then they stood for a few minutes, while the second line, which was only partially deployed, hastened to complete the evolution. Suddenly, to the general amazement, the drums again began to roll and the first line stepped off once more, advancing rapidly but in perfect order, straight upon the cavalry deployed on the left of the French centre. The second line, though its formation was still incomplete, stepped off likewise in rear of its comrades, deploying as it moved, and therefore of necessity dropping somewhat in rear. And so the 9 battalions, with the leading brigade far in advance, swung proudly forward. Two French batteries of 30 and 36 guns took the advancing line in cross-fire. Alone and unsupported from the rest of the line, the British line continued its advance. No aide-de-camp, gallop though he might, could stop the British infantry brigades now. The British battalions deployed on the right were the more exposed to destruction, for the French batteries at Malbergen on their left were too remote to maintain a really deadly fire. For nearly 150 paces of the advance, the French guns tore great gaps in their ranks. However, Allied batteries soon silenced the French battery, and the British brigades pressed on with steadiness against the motionless lines of French cavalry. Then at last the wall of men and horses started
into life, and 11 squadrons of the French first line coming forward from the rest bore straight down upon the British first line. The British and Hanoverian battalions stood firm until the enemy were within 10 meters. They then poured a deadly volley which strewed the ground with men and horses, throwing back the French first line of cavalry and continuing their advance. Ferdinand, perceiving the disorder of the French, sent an aide-de-camp at full speed to lord George Sackville to bring up the British cavalry and complete the rout. Sackville disputed the meaning of the order for a time, and then advancing his squadrons for a short distance, as if to obey it, brought them once more to a halt. A second messenger came up in hot haste to ask why the cavalry of the right did not come on, but Sackville remained stationary, and the opportunity was lost. Indeed, Contades arrived in the centre and ordered Beauprau to occupy a few houses and hedges situated in front of the French cavalry with Touraine brigade and 8 guns. While Beauprau marched to his new positions, 3 additional French infantry brigades and 24 guns were coming forward from the French left to enfilade the audacious British and Hanoverian battalions. Ferdinand, since Sackville would not move, advanced Phillips's brigade of heavy guns in order to parry, if possible, this flanking attack. Then the second line of the French cavalry came thundering down, eager to retrieve their defeat, upon the 9 isolated battalions. For a moment the Anglo-Hanoverian lines seemed to waver under this attack, but recovering themselves they closed up their ranks and met the charging squadrons with a storm of musketry which blasted them off the field. At this moment, Scheele's infantry brigade along with Wangenheim Infantryand Hessian Garde then brought a timely support to this attack. The comte de Lusace attacked these Allied units with the Saxons deployed to the left of the French cavalry and momentarily forced them back. But the Allied infantry soon rallied, resumed its advance and routed the Saxon regiments with terrible loss. The Aquitaine and Cond infantry brigades, under the command of Maugiron, wanted to march to the support of the Saxons but they were driven back. Maugiron was wounded during the action. Again an aide-de-camp flew from Ferdinand's side to Sackville, adjuring him to bring up the British squadrons only, if no more, to make good the success. However, it was not jealousy of the foreign squadrons under his command that kept Sackville back. The messenger delivered his order; but not a squadron moved. Now the French reserve, consisting of the Gendarmerie de France and the Carabiniers, attempted a third attack upon the 9 brave battalions. It charged and broke through the first line of Allied infantry. However, the second line received them with a deadly fire and forced them to retire. Poyanne, commanding the reserve, suffered several wounds during this charge. A fourth messenger was sent to Sackville, but with no result. Ferdinand's impatience waxed hot. When is that cavalry coming?" he kept exclaiming. "Has no one seen that cavalry of the right wing? "
But no cavalry came. Good God! is there no means of getting that cavalry to advance," he ejaculated in desperation, and sent a fifth messenger to bring up lord Granby with the squadrons of Sackville's second line only. Granby was about to execute the order, when Sackville rode up and forbade him and then, as if still in doubt as to these repeated orders, Sackville trotted up to Ferdinand and asked what they might mean. My Lord," Ferdinand is said to have answered, calmly, but with such contempt as may be imagined, the opportunity is now passed." The rightmost French cavalry brigade, under the command of Vogu, then launched a fourth charge. But this brigade was caught in flank and routed by general Urf who was arriving from the left wing with a few squadrons. The French cavalry was now totally beaten. Meanwhile, the French battery at Malbergen had been taken. Several cavalry regiments (Hanoverian Garde du Corps, Hammerstein Cavalry, Prussian Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons and some Hessian cavalry) along with the Hessian grenadiers distinguished themselves in this attack on Malbergen. They gained the right flank of Touraine and Rouergue infantry brigades and drove them back, capturing a large part of Rouergue brigade and taking possession of the houses and hedges previously occupied by these brigades. The astonishing attack of the British infantry had virtually gained the day. Ferdinand's line had gained time to form and to join with Wangenheim's. On the Allied left wing, the battery in front of Thonhausen totally silenced the French batteries on their right and made great havoc among the Swiss infantry and Grenadiers de France. Ferdinand's left wing then took the offensive, and the German cavalry by a brilliant charge dispersed the whole of the infantry opposed to them. About 9:00 AM, the French began to give way. About 10:00 AM, the whole French army fled in disorder, taking shelter under the guns of Minden or recrossing the bridges over the rivulet to their camp behind the marsh. These bridges were then broken for fear of being pursued. Contandes sent the second line French right wing infantry (Auvergne and Anhalt brigades) to cover the retreat but the Prussian cavalry swept them home again. The duc de Broglie, who was still cannonading Wangenheim's corps and had never seriously engaged his force, sent his cavalry to support the right flank of the main French army, badly mauled byHammerstein Cavalry. However, this French cavalry was driven back by the PrussianHolstein-Gottorp Dragoons. La Marine Infanterie then advanced and fired on the Prussian dragoons who wheeled left, attacked La Marine and captured it along with 10 guns and 2 colours. After covering the retreat of the right wing of the French army, Broglie withdrew into Minden. Meanwhile, the Saxon brigades had covered the retreat of the left wing of the French army into its old camp. Ferdinand ordered the British artillery to advance as near the morass as possible
to dislodge the French units who had taken refuge in this camp. The British artillery then forced the French to retire. Gilsa's corps pushed forward from Lbbecke over the morass by Eickhorst, reaching the old French camp. About this time, the remnants of Brissac's corps defeated during theengagement of Gohfeld arrived in the neighbourhood of Minden and joined the main army in its retreat. Had Sackville's cavalry come forward when it was bidden, it might have cut the flying French squadrons to pieces, barred the retreat of most if not all of the French left wing and turned the victory into a decisive one. As things happened, it fell to Foy and Macbean of the British Artillery to gather the laurels of the pursuit. Hard though they had worked all day, these officers limbered up their guns and moved with astonishing rapidity along the border of the marsh, halting from time to time to pound the retreating masses of the enemy. The victorious Allied army encamped on the battle field for the night. The headquarters were established at Sd-Hemmern.
Outcome
French lost 7,086 men killed, wounded and taken prisoners. Prince Camille was killed in action while the count of Lutzelburg and the marquis de Monti were taken prisoners. The Allies captured 43 guns, 10 pair of colours and 7 standards. The Allies lost 2,822 men, half of it falling on those rash 6 British battalions who, from 4,434 men and 78 officers, lost 1,252 men. The heaviest sufferers were the 12th, which lost 302 men and the 20th, which lost 322 of all ranks, these regiments holding the place of honour on the right of the first and second lines. During the following night, abandoning his communications with Paderborn, Contades crossed the Weser, broke down the bridge of Minden, burned his bridges of boats and retired through a difficult and distressing country to Kassel, with an army not only beaten but demoralised. After this victory, the Allied army advanced into Hesse recapturing Kassel, Marburg and Mnster, recovering all territories previously lost during this campaign. For his conduct at the battle, lord Sackville was considered disgraced and, in order to clear his name, he requested a court martial. However, the evidence against him was substantial and the court martial declared him "...unfit to serve His Majesty in any capacity whatsoever." Marchal de Contades was subsequently relieved of his command and replaced by the duc de Broglie.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Ferdinand of Brunswick Summary: 42,000 men in 48 bns, 65 sqns and 105 artillery pieces
Main Army under Ferdinand of Brunswick First Line Second Line
First column: Cavalry Right Wing under lieutenant-general lord Sackville First Line of Cavalry under lieutenant-general lord Sackville Colonel John Mostyn's Brigade British Royal Horse Guards(The Blues) (3 sqns) British 1st King's Dragoon Guards (Bland's) (3 sqns) British 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (2 sqns) Colonel Charles von Breitenbach's Brigade Hanoverian Grenadiers cheval (1 sqns) Hanoverian Maximilian Breitenbach Dragoons (4 sqns) Hanoverian Garde du Corps (1 sqn) Second column: Artillery under major Haase Second Line of Cavalry under lieutenant-general marquis of Granby Colonel Elliot's Brigade British 3rd Howard's Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) British 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons (2 sqns) British 2nd Royal North British Dragoons(2 sqns) (also known as Scots Greys) Hanoverian Bremer Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Veltheim Cavalry (2 sqns)
Hanoverian Heavy Artillery Brigadeunder major Haase 16 x 12-pdrs 4 x 3-pdrs 2 x 30-pdrs howitzers
British Heavy Artillery Brigade 6 x 12-pdrs
Hanoverian Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn) Third column under lieutenant-general von Sprcken
Major-general Waldegrave's Brigade British 12th Napier's Foot (1 bn) British Light Artillery Brigade (9 pieces) under captain MacBean
Major-general Kingsley's Brigade British 20th Kingsley's Foot(1 bn) British 51st Brudenell's Foot (1 bn) British 25th Home's Foot (1 bn)
British 37th Stewart's Foot (1 bn) British 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers(1 bn) under Huske
Hanoverian Foot Guards (2 bns) Fourth column: Prinz Anhalt Division under lieutenant-general Scheele
Major-general von Scheele's Brigade Hanoverian Hardenberg (1 bn) Hanoverian Reden (1 bn) Hanoverian Scheele (1 bn)
Major-general Wissembach's Brigade Hanoverian Stolzenberg (1 bn) Hanoverian Estorff (1 bn) Hessian Erbprinz Friedrich (1 bn)
Fifth column: Artillery under colonel Braun
Hanoverian Heavy Artillery Brigadeunder colonel Braun 2 x 10-pdrs (captured French 8-pdrs) 12 x 6-pdrs 2 x 3-pdrs 3 x 16-pdrs howitzer Sixth column under lieutenant-general von Wutginau
Major-general von Toll's Brigade Hanoverian Wangenheim (1 bn) Hessian Leibgarde zu Fuss (1 bn) Bckeburg Light Artillery Brigade(8 x 6pdrs) Hessian Toll (1 bn)
Major general von Bischausen Hessian Prinz von Anhalt (1 bn) Hessian Bischhausen (1 bn) Hessian Mansbach (1 bn)
Seventh column under lieutenant-general von Imhoff Major-general von Einsiedel's Brigade Hessian Gilsa (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Wilhelm (1 bn) Hessian Leib Grenadier (1 bn) British Light Artillery Brigade (9 pieces) under captain Foy Brunswicker II./Behr (1 bn) Major-general von Behr's Brigade Hessian Leib-Regiment (1 bn) Brunswicker Imhoff (2 bns)
Eighth column: Left Wing under lieutenant-general duke of Holstein Lieutenant-general duke of Holstein's Brigade Hanoverian Hammerstein Cavalry(2 sqns) Hessian Leib Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Wilhem Erbprinz Cavalry (2 sqns) Prussian Holstein-Gottorp Dragoons (5 sqns) Lieutenant-general von Urff's Brigade Hessian Miltitz Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Pruschenk Cavalry (2 sqns) Prussian Finckenstein Dragoons (4 sqns)
Wangenheim Corps between the village of Kutenhausen and the Weser First Line Cavalry Right Wing Prussian Ruesch Hussars (1 sqn) Second Line Third Line
Major-general Reden's Brigade Hessian Leib Dragoons (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns)
Major-general von Hanstein's Brigade Hanoverian Leib-Regiment Reuter(2 sqns)
Major-general Grothausen's Brigade Hanoverian Reden Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Heise Cavalry (2 sqns) HanoverianHodenberg Cavalry (2 sqns) HanoverianGrothaus Cavalry(2 sqns)
Infantry Centre
Brigade under ??? Hanoverian Kielmannsegg (1 bn) Hanoverian Sprken (1 bn)
Hanoverian Jung Zastrow (1 bn) Hanoverian Halberstadt (1bn) Hanoverian Schulenburg (1 bn) Hanoverian Oberg (1 bn) Hanoverian Laffert (1 bn) Hanoverian Scheither (1 bn)
Artillery (6 x 6-pdrs) Brigade under ??? Hanoverian Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Wersabe British Converged Grenadiers (1 bn from 12th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 37th and 51st Foot) under Maxwell Hessian Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Donopp Hessian Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Schlotheim Brunswicker Leib-Regiment/Imhoff Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Stammer Brunswicker Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Wittorff
Hessian Artillery (3 coys) under lieutenantcolonel Huth 16 x 12-pdrs 4 x 6-pdrs 2 x 3-pdrs 2 x 20-pdrs howitzer
Schaumburg-Lippe-Bckeburg Artillery 6 x 6-pdrs 10 x 3-pdrs
Schaumburg-Lippe-Bckeburg (1 bn) escorting the artillery
Brunswicker Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Wittorff
Reinecke Detachment near Hille guarding the Eickhorst causeway crossing the peat bog
Brunswicker Imhoff Detachment (500 men) Artillery 2 x 12-pdrs 2 x 6 pdrs
Gilsa Detachment at Lbbecke Hanoverian Linstrow (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Karl (1 bn) Brunswicker I./Behr (1 bn) British Dragoons (300 men from an unidentified unit) Prussian Ruesch Hussars (2 sqns)
Laffert Detachment on the left bank of the Weser Hanoverian Luckner's Hussars (2 sqns) Hanoverian Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Wense Hanoverian Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) under Sydow Hanoverian Jgers

Commander-in-chief: marchal de Contades assisted by lieutenant-general comte de Noailles and marchal de camp de Raugrave Summary: 57,000 men in 84 bns (avg. 500 men per bn), 85 sqns (avg. 120-140 men per sqn) and 90 artillery pieces Main Army under marchal de Contades deployed in front of the fortress of Minden First Line Second Line Right Wing Infantry Chevalier de Nicola's Division assisted by lieutenant-general Beauprau Picardie Brigade Picardie (4 bns) La Marche (1 bn) Anhalt Brigade Anhalt (2 bns) Saint-Germain(1 bn) Bergh (1 bn) Comte de Saint-Germain's Division assisted by marchaux-de-camp Leyde and Glaubitz Third Line
Belzunce Brigade (4 bns) Touraine Brigade Touraine (2 bns) d'Aumont (2 bns)
Auvergne Brigade (4 bns)
Rouergue Brigade Rouergue (2 bns) Comte de La Marche (1 bn) Tournaisis (1 bn)
Artillery (34 pieces) Centre Cavalry
Duc de FitzJames' Division assisted by lt-gen. Vogu and Castries Colonel Gnral Brigade Colonel gnral (3 sqns) Marcieux (2 sqns) Vog (2 sqns) Cond (2 sqns)
Du Mesnil's Division assisted by lt-gen. Andlau and d'Orlick du Roi Brigade du Roy (2 sqns) Henrichemont (2 sqns) Moustiers (2 sqns) No (2 sqns)
Marquis de Poyanne's Division assisted by marchaux-de-camp Bellefonds and Bissy Gendarmerie de France Gendarmes cossais& Gendarmes de Bourgogne (1 sqn) Gendarmes Anglais &Chevau-lgers de Bourgogne (1 sqn) Gendarmes Bourguignons &Gendarmes d'Aquitaine(1 sqn) Gendarmes de Flandres & Chevau-lgers d'Aquitaine (1 sqn) Gendarmes de la Reine& Gendarmes de Berry(1 sqn) Chevau-lgers de la Reine & Chevau-lgers de Berry (1 sqn) Gendarmes du Dauphin& Gendarmes d'Orlans (1 sqn) Chevau-lgers du Dauphin & Chevau-lgers d'Orlans (1 sqn)
Bourgogne Brigade Bourgogne (2 sqns) Cavalerie Ligeoise (2 sqns) Archiac (2 sqns)
Royal Cravate Brigade Royal-Cravate (2 sqns) La Rochefoucault de Surgre (2 sqns) Talleyrand (2 sqns)
Royal tranger Brigade Royal-tranger(2 sqns) Crussol (2 sqns) Noailles (2 sqns) Balincourt (2 sqns)
Mestre de Camp Brigade Mestre de Camp (2 sqns) Fumel (2 sqns) d'Espinchal (2 sqns) Poly (2 sqns)
Corps des carabiniers de Monsieur le Comte Provence (10 sqns)
Left Wing Infantry Saxon Division under comte de Lusace assisted by marchaux-de-camp assisted by comte de Solms Guerchy's Division Laval and Maugiron N.B.: out of the Saxon division, Cond Brigade Cond (2 bns) Enghien (2 bns) one battalion was not present on the field that day but we do not know which one Second Saxon Brigade Kurprinzessin (2 bns) Prinz Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn) Prinz Anton (1 bn) Graf Brhl (1 bn) Rochow Fusiliers (1 bn)
Aquitaine Brigade Aquitaine (2 bns) Vastan (2 bns)
du Roi Brigade (4 bns) Champagne Brigade (4 bns) Artillery (30 pieces)
First Saxon Brigade Frst Lubomirsky (1 bn) Prinz Clemenz(1 bn) Prinz Joseph (1 bn) Prinz Friedrich August (2 bns) Prinz Xaver (2 bns) Prinz Karl Maximilian (1 bn)
N.B.: The rightmost battalion of each brigade was formed in column. The battalions of the second line were spread wider than those of the first. Exceptionally, Auvergne Infanterie had its first battalion formed in column on the left to link with the cavalry centre. Each line of the French army maintained a distance of 400 paces. The 64 pieces in front of Contades infantry would include 8 12-pdrs, a good number of 8-pdrs, and the most being long barreled 4-pdrs. Broglie Corps
Attack
First Line
Second Line Cavalry, probably under prince Camille
Artillery (22 pieces) deployed in front of the infantry 6 x 12-pdrs 4 x howitzers 12 x unidentified calibers
Infantry, probably under chevalier du Muy Pimont Brigade Pimont (4 bns) Dauphin (2 bns)
Lameth Brigade Commissaire Gnral (2 sqns) Lameth (2 sqns) Des Salles (2 sqns)
Royal Bavire Brigade Royal Deux Ponts(2 bns) Royal Bavire (2 bns)
Grenadiers de France Brigade under M. de Saint-Pern Grenadiers de France (4 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Modne (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Chantilly (2 bns)
Penthivre Brigade Penthivre (2 sqns) Toustain (2 sqns)
Waldner's Brigade Waldner (2 bns) Planta (2 bns)
Prince Holstein's Brigade Royal Allemand (2 sqns) Nassau-Sarrebruck (2 sqns) Wurttemberg (2 sqns)
N.B.: Each infantry brigade was preceded by 100 workers with the necessary wagons and tools. Once ordered to only contain Beverns grenadiers and Wangenheims corps, Broglie redeployed in a different formation with his infantry in 3 lines and the horse to their left. Broglie also commanded the following light troops: Apchon Dragoons (4 sqns) Volontaires de Schomberg (3 sqns) probably on the far bank of the Weser watching Luckners detachment Royal Nassau Hussars (4 sqns)
Duc d'Havr Corps in an advanced post at Eichhorst to the left, opposing Hille. Navarre (4 bns) Volontaires du Dauphin (approx. 500 men) Volontaires Ligeois (approx. 500 men) Volontaires de Muret (approx. 150 men) Artillery (4 x 8-pdrs)
Garrison of Minden under marchal de camp de Bisson Lowendahl Brigade under the command of marchal-de-camp Bisson Lowendahl (2 bns)
Bouillon (2 bns)
N.B.: Lowendahl brigade occupied the ramparts of Minden and the 3 bridgeheads. Most heavy artillery pieces were placed on the cavaliers of Minden and some pieces in the work covering the stone bridge.
References
This article incorporates texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 398-404 Carlyle, T., History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Vol. 19 Fortescue, J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London: 1899, pp. 487494. Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, p. 99-104 Jomini, baron de, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, Vol. 3, 2nd ed., Magimel, Paris, 1811, pp. 30-46 This article also incorporates texts from the following articles published in Wikipedia: Battle of Minden
Other sources: Bruns, J.C.C., Die Schlacht bei Minden, Bruns Verlag, Minden in Westfalen: 1959 Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt: 2006 Schirmer, Friedrich: Minden (1. August 1759), in: Die Zinnfigur (1959) Neue Folge, 8. Jg., H. 5, page 81-94 Vial, J. L., Nec Pluribus Impar
Acknowledgements Hannoverdidi for the information supplied
1759-08-01 - Engagement of Gohfeld

Allied Victory
Early in July 1759, during their offensive in West Germany, the French captured Minden. The French had now secured a bridge over the Weser and had free access into Hanover. This forced Ferdinand of Brunswick to react quickly to this threat. On July 17, hoping to lure the French into a battle, he deployed his army in the plain of Minden but this plan did not succeed. Ferdinand then methodically advanced his positions towards Minden while giving the impression that his various corps were isolated. On July 31 1759, the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick and general Dreves established themselves at Kirchlengern across the lines of communication between Minden and Paderborn and Kassel, cutting all supplies coming from the south to Contades' army at Minden. In the evening, Brissac's corps took position at Gohfeld with the Warre river in his front. The cavalry of the Volontaires de Dauphin was charged to maintain communication between d'Havr's and Brissac's corps through the vale of Bergkirchen. The Hereditary Prince decided to attack Brissac the next morning.
Map
Reconstruction of the map of the engagement of Gohfeld.
Courtesy: Chris Salander
Furthermore, the following website offers a large map of the battle of Minden covering the engagement at Gohfeld (on the right side approximately in the middle of the map). Digitales Archiv Marburg - Plan der Schlacht bei Todtenhausen (Minden), 1. August 1759 There were salt pans around the junction between the Weser and the Warre. The bridge nearest the Weser was called the Salt Pan Bridge. It was apparently flimsy and designed mainly for the salt pan workers to use. This bridge collapsed during the French retreat. The main road ran over the next bridge, the "Gohfeld Warre" bridge. There is a small stream running into the Warre downstream of the French force initial positions (between Gohfeld and the Weser). The Beck defile was located near the town of Menningenhuffen and a large estate house (Haus Beck, now an inn).
Since the front of the French positions was inaccessible, the Allied centre kept the French at bay while the right wing turned the French left and the left wing advanced towards the bridge to cut the French from Minden. On August 1 at 3:00 AM, the Hereditary Prince set from his camp at Kirchlengern. However, Brissac's troops too were on the move to attack the Allies. When count Kielmansegg came out of the defile of Beck, he came into contact with the French. The two forces cannonaded each other for 2 hours. Meanwhile, the Allied right crossed the Warre at Kirchlengern. When the French saw that their left had been turned, they immediately gave way. While retreating they came under the fire of the artillery of the Allied left wing. Completely surrounded, the Brissac's force broke and routed. The Allies captured 5 guns and all the baggage. During this engagement, Alt Zastrow Infantry repulsed the French cavalry.
Outcome
The Allies captured 5 guns and all the baggage. Immediately after the engagement, the Hereditary Prince took position near the defile of Bergkirchen. The same day (August 1), the army of Ferdinand of Brunswick defeated the main French army in the battle of Minden. Since the Hereditary Prince had already cut the line of communication from Minden to Paderborn and Kassel, where the French had considerable magazines, the main French army was forced to retreat through countries where it had no subsistence.
Order of Battle

Commander-in-chief: Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Summary: 10 battalions, 9 squadrons and some light troops for a total of about 8,500 men Right wing under the Hereditary Prince and general Dreves Vacant (Diepenbroick) (1 bn) Brunswick Leib-Regiment (2 bns) Volunteers (200 men) Bock Dragoons (4 sqns)
Centre under lieutenant-general count Kilmansegg Alt Zastrow (1 bn) under colonel Otte Behr (1 bn) Bock (1 bn) Kanitz (1 bn) Karl Breitenbach Dragoons (1 sqn) Artillery (16 heavy guns including 6 x 12-pdrs)
Left wing under Bock Block (1 bn) Dreves (1 bn) I./Zastrow (1 bn) Busche Dragoons (4 sqns)
Light troops: Unidentified Jger Unit (400 men) Malachowski Hussars (1 sqn of 100 men)
N.B.: 1 battalion of Prussian volunteers (Trmbach) had been detached to Herford.

Commander-in-chief: Jean-Paul Timolon duc de Brissac Summary: 1 brigade of infantry (under the command of Phillipe-Henri, marquis de Sgur), 1 brigade of cavalry, a few guns and possibly 12 hussar squadrons. The infantry was made up of a composite force consisting of 20 grenadier companies and 20 infantry piquets for a total of 2,000 men. The cavalry counted 1,000 horse, maybe cavalry piquets or possibly carabiniers of various regiment of cavalry. The artillery consisted of 4 or 5 x 4-pdrs.
In addition, Brissac's troops had been reinforced by the Bercheny and Turpin hussars on July 29, after being forced to leave their position at Lbbecke. This would add another 12 squadrons to his detachment.
References
Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 405-406 Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, p. 98 Jomini, baron de, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, Vol. 3, 2nd ed., Magimel, Paris, 1811, pp. 35, 46 Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006 Witzel, Rudolf, Hessen Kassels Armee in der Alliierten Armee 1762, p. 238
1759-11-30 Attack on Fulda

Allied Victory

Late in November 1759, the contingent of Wrttemberg (about 10,000 men), led personally by the duke Karl Eugen of Wrtemberg, entered the country of Fulda and took up its winter quarters in this province to assist the French army. As instructed by the duc de Broglie the contingent was now in a position to threaten the Allied left flank and to deny them supplies from this area. A detachment of about 1,000 French light cavalry took post at Lauterbach and Herbstein, between the Wrttembergers and the Allies. To improve the safety of his contingent, Karl Eugen sent 1 battalion along with Phull Cuirassiers forward, between Fulda and the two French held places. As this area was thought most important, general von Wolff was detached to Hersfeld with 4 battalions, 1 squadron of Leib-Grenadiers Cheval, 1 squadron of Roeder Dragoons and most ofGorcy Hussars. These troops were posted along the Fulda river where they created the cordon of the Wrttemberg army's quarters with each patrol in close touch to one another. General von Auge was placed with a brigade along the Werra. Both detachments denied all supplies to the Allies from these areas and the province was put under contribution. Near Rothenburg, there was an Allied party of some 800 men and near Wanfried some 500 Allied hussars, engaging into daily skirmishes with the Wrttembergers.
Ferdinand of Brunswick decided to send a corps (7 bns, 12 sqns) under the command of the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick to dislodge this contingent from Fulda and prevent its junction with the main French army. On November 28 in the morning, the Hereditary Prince corps set out from Marburg and marched to Kirtorf. On November 29, the corps of the Hereditary Prince marched to Angersbach and Lauterbach. His vanguard repulsed a detachment of the Royal-Nassau Hussards. The same day at 6:00 AM, Karl Eugen received the first report of the Allied approach. The French brigadier von Nordmann, commanding his detachment of some 500 dragoons and hussars, informed him that the Allies now occupied his former position at Lauterbach. He had been forced to retire to Schlitz and even as far as across the Fulda. Karl Eugen asked to comte de Graulme, aide marchal-deslogis of Broglie's army and attached to the Wrttemberger staff as liaison officer, to order brigadier von Nordmann to recross the Fulda and to take up a position between Lauterbach and Fulda, this town giving him a safe line of retreat, if necessary. Duke Karl Eugen also sent orders to his two generals (von Wolff and von Auge) to leave their quarters and immediately assemble at Fulda.
Map
Sketch of the action of Fulda.
Fulda, a town with some 7,000 inhabitants by the late 18th century, is located in a quite even plain watered by the Fulda river. To the west of the town towards the river, the fields were divided by a long hollow road. The Wrttemberg contingent had encamped very irregularly in small bodies on separate spots of ground on one side of this hollow road. The left (west) bank of the Fulda provided some rising ground commanding the bridges and the right bank.
On November 30 at 1:00 AM, the corps of the Hereditary Prince advanced directly towards Fulda. It met no troops on the road. A little distance from Fulda, the Allied force deployed behind a height while their hussars marched forward. The Hereditary Prince then reconnoitred almost to the gates of the town.
The Allied hussars and Prinz Friedrich Dragoons drew up in front of the encampment of the Wrttemberger troops along the hollow road to the west of the town. The rest of the Allied corps went round the hill, proceeded to the other side of the hollow road and took position upon the flank of the Wrttemberger troops. At 9:00 AM, after skirmishing with the Allied avant-garde, Phull Cuirassiers were forced to retire back to the bridge in front of the town of Fulda. Karl Eugen realised that he was on the point of being attacked by an Allied corps of no less than 8,000 or 10,000 men while he had no more than his 1,200 Grenadiers andPhull Cuirassiers at Fulda, the rest of his force being dispersed in various detachments. The duke now had two options. He could march towards Hersfeld and make a junction near Hnfeld with his approaching detachments and then withdraw towards Saxony and join the Reichsarmee. His other option was to hold his ground, defend the bridges with his force as long as possible and await the arrival of his approaching detachments. He decided for the latter option. The Wrttemberger grenadiers, along with a number of 3-pdrs guns, were ordered to occupy the 3 stone bridges near Fulda (should probably read 2 bridges). One company was ordered to cross the river to support Phull Cuirassiers. Led by general von Gorcy, they charged in close order the Allied dragoons and hussars, gaining some time. By engaging into further skirmishing, they managed to delay the Allied advance until around 1:00 PM. By 1:00 PM, Phull Cuirassiers were forced to abandon their positions. About this time, the first elements of general Anges brigade arrived near Fulda and formed up in line of battle on the right bank of the river. Meanwhile, the Allied had deployed infantry and a powerful artillery on the heights on the left bank of the Fulda. Phull Cuirassiers then withdrew over the river while the Wrttembergers grenadiers, although being under a murderous cannon fire, held the bridges for some time. However, the grenadiers were eventually recalled into the town in order to prepare its defence. The Wrttemberger infantry started to form in the town square but Allied howitzers drove them away. Seeing that the Wrttembergers were exiting the town on the opposite side, the Hereditary Prince led the hussars, Prinz Friedrich Dragoons, Hessian GrenadierRegiment and Bock Dragoons against the town. They occupied the town gate leading to the position of Ange's brigade, thus, leaving some 5 or 600 Wrttemberger grenadiers cut off inside the town. These grenadiers finally managed to leave through another gate joining a late arriving battalion of Werneck Infantry . Meanwhile, Bevern had forced the St. Johannis bridge (the southern bridge) and passed the river. The delaying action of the Wrttemberger grenadiers at the bridge allowed Karl Eugen to assemble his force and to organise the withdrawal. The Wrttemberger grenadiers (3 bns) and Werneck Infantry (1 bn) formed in order of battle, under the command of baron von
Poellnitz, on the opposite side of the town to contain the Allies during the retreat of their main body. The Allied hussars and Bock Dragoons advanced against the deployed Wrttemberger units while Bevern gained their flanks. The Allies then attacked these units who tried to make good their escape. Closely pursued by the Allied cavalry and under continuous cannon and musketry fire, they lost a great number of men. Eventually, what was left of these units was forced to lay down their arms and surrender. Now all bridges were in the hands of the Allies. Duke Karl Eugen ordered general Wolffs brigade, which was not yet arrived at Fulda, to redirect his march towards Hnfeld. The Dukes force now consisted of Phull Cuirassiers, Leib-Grenadiers Cheval(3 sqns), grenadiers (6 coys) and 7 battalions. He directed his retreat to Motten, an hour march from Fulda. During the retreat, the duke formed his troops in line of battle at one time, in order to keep the pursuing enemy at a distance. General von Goren (maybe Gorcy), commanding the grenadiers of his rearguard engaged the pursuers.
Outcome
During this action, the Allies lost 6 killed and 14 wounded. The Wrttembergers lost several men killed and 923 taken prisoners, along with 2 guns, 2 colours of Werneck Infantry and their baggage. Half their grenadiers were missing along with an entire battalion of Werneck Infantry. Among the prisoners was the colonel and general-adjutant baron von Poellnitz. On December 1, duke Karl Eugen resumed his retreat to Brckenau to take up supplies as well as to support general Wolffs retreat, the latter being now at Bischofsheim.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand hereditary prince of Brunswick assisted by prince von Bevern Summary: 7 battalions, 10 cavalry squadrons, 2 light cavalry squadrons Hereditary Prince's column Infantry (1 bn) Hessian Grenadier-Regiment (1 bn)
Cavalry (8 sqns) Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns)
Light troops (2 sqns) Prussian Ruesch Black Hussars (1 sqn) Hanoverian Luckner's White Hussars (1 sqn)
Prussian Freibataillon Trmbach (100 jgers) aka Volontaires de Prusse
Bevern's column Infantry (6 bns) Mansbach (1 bn) Bischhausen (1 bn) Brunswick Leib-Regiment (2 bns) Imhoff (2 bns)
Guarding the baggage (did not take part to the action) Prinz Wilhem Cavalry (2 sqns)
Wrttemberger Order of Battle

Commander-in-chief: Karl Eugen duke of Wrttemberg Wrttemberg Contingent Summary: 15 battalions, 12 sqns Infantry (12 bns among which 4 bns were with Wolff's brigade and did not take part to the engagement) Prinz Louis (2 bns for a total of about 1,023 men) Wolff (2 bns for a total of about 1,023 men) probably part of Wolff's brigade Werneck (2 bns for a total of about 1,023 men) Roman (2 bns for a total of about 1,023 men) Prinz Friedrich Wilhelm (2 bns for a total of about 1,023 men) Truchsess Fusilier (Vacant) (2 bns for a total of about 1,023 men)
Grenadiers (3 bns for a total of 1,213 men) 1. von Bode Grenadiers (1 bn) 2. von Witzleben Grenadiers (1 bn) 3. von Reischach Grenadiers (1 bn)
Cavalry (12 sqns among which 5 sqns were with Wolff's brigade and did not take part to the engagement) Leib-Grenadiers Cheval (4 sqns for a total of 504 men) 1 sqn was part of Wolff's brigade Phull Cuirassiers (4 sqns for a total of 504 men) Gorcy Hussars (3 sqns for a total of 380 men) most of them were part of Wolff's brigade Roeder Dragoons (1 sqn for a total of 122 men) part of Wolff's brigade
N.B.: Wolff's brigade did not take part to the action, being still on its way to Fulda.
French Detachment Royal-Nassau Hussards (4 sqns for a total of about 500 men) under the command of lieutenant-colonel Wurmser Nornmann brigade (4 sqns for a total of about 500 men) unidentified dragoon unit Turpin Hussards
N.B.: the French detachment did not take part in the action
References
This article incorporates texts from the following books or documents which are now in the public domain: A relation of the action by an anonymous Wrttemberg officer, published in Gregor Stasch, Die Schlacht auf dem Mnsterfeld von 1759, Exhibition catalogue No. 9, Vonderau Museum Fulda, 2003 Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 465-466 Hotham, The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 130-133 Other sources Most of this article is derived from: Rogge, Christian, The French & Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt, 2006
1760-07-10 - Combat of Corbach

French Victory

On June 16 1760, the French army of the Lower Rhine, under the command of the comte de Saint-Germain, had passed the Rhine and support the main army of the duc de Broglie in its offensive in West Germany. By the end of June, Broglie had already seized Marburg. On July 4, he instructed Saint-Germain to quit Dortmund and to march towards Corbach to make a junction with the French main army. On July 8, whenFerdinand of Brunswick was informed of Broglie's manoeuvres, he detached theHereditary Prince of Brunswick with the vanguard and ordered major-general von Luckner to occupy the heights of Sachsenhausen and Corbach. At
3:00 PM, Ferdinand followed them with his main army. On July 9 in the morning, Ferdinand encamped near Wildungen, sending Kielmansegg on Frankenberg. The same day, the main French army passed the Eder at Frankenberg and Clausen brigade marched on Corbach to observe the movements of the Allies. Clausen came to contact with Luckner's corps. Broglie ordered to immediately dislodge them and sent the comte de Rooth with an infantry brigade and the marquis de Poyanne with the Corps des carabiniers de Monsieur le Comte de Provence to support Clausen and to guard the defiles debouching on the plain of Corbach. However, the French could not mount an attack before nightfall. Meanwhile, part of the Army of the Lower Rhine under Saint-Germain had reached Fritzlar abbey. Broglie ordered Saint-Germain to quicken pace. Clausen brigade took position in the wood to the left of Corbach and Broglie personally led 6 brigades towards Corbach to support Saint-Germain's attack.
Initial Manoeuvres
At 2:00 AM on July 10, the corps of Ferdinand of Brunswick and the Hereditary Prince resumed their march. Ferdinand sent forward a corps (6 bns and 6 sqns) under lieutenant-general Oheimb to reinforce the Hereditady Prince before the combat. The Hereditary Prince at the head of the vanguard of the Allied army had made a junction with Kielmansegg's corps. He arrived at Corbach while the main Allied army was still passing the defile of Sachsenhausen. Believing that he was facing only Saint-Germain's corps, the Hereditary Prince resolved to attack immediately without waiting for the main army.
Map of the combat of Corbach on July 10 1760.
Source: Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen, volume 12 by the German Grosser Generalstabfrom the collections of Frdric Aubert and Christian Rogge
The town of Corbach is located on heights rising to some 400 meters above the surrounding plain and extending about 1,8 km east of Corbach to the woods of Berndorf.
Battle
At 10:00 AM, M. de Clausen that a considerable Allied force could be seen on the heights near Corbach. Broglie went to the court of justice of Corbach to observe the Allied dispositions and saw them debouching from a wood. A skirmish took place between French hussars and Allied light troops and the hussars discovered a column of Allied infantry. At this moment, Saint-Germain appeared on the field with only 2 infantry brigades (La Tour-duPin and La Couronne) and part of his light troops (Volontaires de Flandres), without his cavalry and artillery who could not arrive during the day. Broglie instructed Saint-Germain to support the Volontaires de Flandres with his 2 infantry brigades. Soon afterward, the Royal-Sudois and Castellas infantry brigade arrived with a few pieces.
As not more than 10,000 foot and 17 sqns of the French were yet deployed, the Hereditary Prince personally led the Bock and Malsburg brigades to the attack of the woods and dislodged the enemy while the French du Roi and Navarre infantry brigades appeared on the field. Broglie was surprised by this bold action and first believed that he was facing the entire Allied army. However, when he saw the size of the two columns following the initial attack, he ordered Saint-Germain to enter into the wood while he supported him with the Castellas, Royal-Sudois. Clausen took possession of a knoll where he planted 24 pieces. About 2:00 AM, the engagement became extremely hot. The Navarre brigade, under the command of lieutenant-colonel de Saint-Victor distinguished itself by capturing a battery. As these additional units came up, the Hereditary Prince was soon driven back by superior numbers. Part of his infantry retired disorderly on his cavalry deployed in line of battle. The presence of the Allied cavalry prevented the French infantry to follow up the Allied infantry. Ferdinand who had now reached Saschsenhausen ordered the Hereditary Prince to retire and to make a junction with the main army. Oheimb's corps arrived on the field towards the end of the combat. It fell to the British infantry (5th Foot, 24th Foot, 50th Foot and 51st Foot) to cover the retreat. The leftmost units fell on Navarre Infanterie. Broglie sent the newly arrived infantry brigades Auvergne and Orlans to its support. Furthermore, prince Camille de Lorrain, galloping ahead of his cavalry corps took command of Beauffremont Dragons and Turpin Hussards and charged on retiring troops near watchtower hill. So hard were Allied units pressed that the Hereditary Prince only extricated them by putting himself at the head of two squadrons of the 1st Dragoon Guards and 3rd Dragoon Guards and leading them to a desperate charge against the French hussars and the Beauffremont Dragons. The British squadrons responded superbly (the 1st Dragoon Guards had gone into this charge with 90 men and returned with 24), and so the rearguard was saved. Then, 24 additional French squadrons, from the corps of prince Camille, started to appear on the battlefield.
Outcome
The Hereditary Prince lost 824 men killed, wounded and missing (7 officers, 8 sergeants and 163 rank and file killed; 18 officers, 21 sergeants and 428 rank and files wounded; 2 officers, 2 sergeants and 175 rank and file missing) and 12 guns, 7 of which last were British, 4 howitzers and 30 ammunition wagons. The Hereditary Prince received a slight wound in the shoulder. The French lost about 750 men. The Hereditary Prince had received an unpleasant reverse and the French had secured their first object, the junction of the armies of Saint-Germain and Broglie, with signal success.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Summary: 12,000 men Main corps right column under lieutenant-general count von Kilmannsegg seconded by major-generals Howard and Grothaus British 50th Carr's Foot (1 bn) British 51st Brudenell's Foot (1 bn) Hanoverian Wangenheim Infantry (1 bn) Hanoverian Bock Infantry (1 bn) Hanoverian Reden Infantry (1 bn) Hanoverian Laffert Infantry (1 bn) Hanoverian Plessen Infantry (1 bn) British 1st Bland's Dragoon Guards (3 sqns) Hanoverian Leib-Regiment Reuter (2 sqns) Hanoverian Hodenberg Cavalry (2 sqns)
left column under lieutenant-general Griffin Hanoverian [[Drachtleben Infantry|Schulenburg] Infantry] (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Karl Infantry (2 bns) Hessian Fsilier-Regiment von Gilsa (2 bns) Hessian Malsburg Infantry (2 bns) Hanoverian Artillery under captain Eitel (mixed Hanoverian and Hessian crews) 4 x heavy 3-pdr guns 6 x 6-pdr guns 2 x 12-pdr guns 1 howitzer
Hanoverian Grothaus Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Heise Cavalry (2 sqns)
major-general Luckner's detachment Hanoverian Wersab Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hanoverian Bock Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hanoverian Geyso Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hanoverian Walthausen Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Luckner's Hussars (4 sqns)
Brunswicker Foot Jger (3 coys or about 300 men) Brunswicker Mounted Jger (1 sqn)
approaching column (at Meineringhausen at 9:00 AM) under lieutenant-general von Oheimb seconded by major-general von Dreves attached to the right wing Hanoverian Dreves Infantry (1 bn) Brunswick Zastrow Infantry (2 bns)
attached to the right wing British 3rd Howard's Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) Hessian Leib Dragoons (4 sqns) British light artillery brigade (9 guns) under captain Charlton
detachment under major-general Webb (at Meineringhausen at noon) British 5th Hodgson's Foot (1 bn) British 24th Cornwallis' Foot (1 bn) Hanoverian Jung Zastrow (1 bn)
Reserve (did not take part to the combat) under lieutenant-general von Gilsa assisted by majorgeneral Bischhausen infantry (11 bns) Schlottheim Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Stirn Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Balke Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hanoverian Alt Zastrow (1 bn) Hanoverian Chevallerie (1 bn) Hessian 2. Garde (2 bns) Hessian Mansbach Infantry (2 bns) Hessian Bischhausen (2 bns)
cavalry (10 sqns) British 2nd Scots Greys Dragoons (2 sqns) British 10th Mordaunt Dragoons (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Wilhem Erbprinz Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns)
light troops Prussian Ruesch Hussars (3 sqns) Prussian Malachowsky Hussars (2 sqns) Prussian Freibataillon Trmbach (1 bn and 1 sqn) aka Volontaires de Prusse
Hanoverian Stockhausen Corps (1 bn and 2 sqns) Hanoverian Foot Jgers (6 foot coys and 6 mounted coys)
artillery 16 guns (including 6 guns attached to the grenadier battalions)
Reserve (did not take part to the combat) under prince von Anhalt assisted by Hanoverian major-general Behr infantry (6 bns) Hanoverian Behr (1 bn) Hanoverian Marschalk (1 bn) Hanoverian Wrede (1 bn) Hanoverian Rhoedern (1 bn) Hessian Prinz von Anhalt (2 bns)
Reserve (did not take part to the combat) under lieutenant-general Waldegrave assisted by major-general Mansberg infantry (7 bns) British Maxwell Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) British Daulhat Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Brunswicker Stammer Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Brunswicker Redecken Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Brunswicker Wittdorf Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) British 88th Campbell's Highlanders (1 bn) British 87th Keith's Highlanders (1 bn)
cavalry (4 sqns) British 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (2 sqns) Hanoverian Busche Dragoons (2 sqns)

Commander-in-chief: Victor Franois, marchal duc de Broglie N.B.: the French detachments at Corbach were under the overall command of lieutenantgeneral comte de Saint-Germain Part of Broglie's vanguard under the baron de Clausen (in the wood to the left of Corbach at the beginning of the action) Converged grenadiers (2 bns) drawn from Royal-Sudois and Castellas brigades Converged chasseurs (2 bns) drawn from Royal-Sudois and Castellas brigades
Brigade wallonaise de Bouillon (Bouillon Infanterie was not present because it garrisoned Marburg) Horion (2 bns) Vierzet (2 bns)
Light troops from Chabot's corps Turpin Hussards (probably 6 sqns) Beauffremont Dragons (4 sqns) Volontaires du Dauphin (8 mounted coys or approx. 350 men) Volontaires du Dauphin (8 foot coys or approx. 580 men)
Part of Broglie's vanguard under the marquis de Poyanne, sent as reinforcements on July 9: Corps des carabiniers de Monsieur le Comte de Provence (10 sqns)
Army of the Lower Rhine under the command of lieutenant-general comte de Saint-Germain was still on its way. Saint-Germain, probably seconded by the marquis d'Amenzaga force marched with 2 brigades and some light troops to take part in the action: Volontaires de Flandres (8 mounted coys or approx. 350 men) Volontaires de Flandres (8 foot coys or approx. 580 men) La Tour-du-Pin brigade (4 bns) La Couronne brigade under M. de Montbarrey La Couronne (2 bns) d'Aumont (2 bns)
N.B.: the rest of Saint-Germain's army arrived gradually during the following days, too late to take part in the action. Reinforcements personally led by Broglie (6 brigades) (arriving piecemeal on the scene on July 10) leading brigades Royal-Sudois brigade presumably under the command of the marchal de camp comte de Rooth Royal-Sudois (3 bns) Royal Deux-Ponts (3 bns)
Castellas brigade Castellas (2 bns) Eptingen (2 bns) Diesbach (2 bns)
Artillery: 8 x heavy 4-pdrs
left wing of the Grande Arme arriving at noon under the direct command of Broglie (listed in order of march) lieutenant-general comte de Guerchy division Navarre brigade commanded by the comte de Waldner, marchal de camp, and the comte du Chtelet, brigadier Navarre (4 bns) La Marche Prince (1 bn)
Du Roi brigade (4 bns) Orlans brigade under M. de Blt Orlans (2 bns) Durfort (2 bns)
Auvergne brigade (4 bns) under M. de Rochambeau Artillery: 24 pieces
cavalry of prince Camille's corps (24 sqns) Royal-Cravate brigade Royal-Cravate (2 sqns) Lameth (2 sqns) Seyssel (2 sqns)
Orlans brigade Orlans (2 sqns) Damas (2 sqns) La Rochefoucault (2 sqns)
Royal brigade under M. de Moustiers Royal (2 sqns) Des Salles (2 sqns) Moustiers (2 sqns)
Bourgogne brigade under M. du Ploury Bourgogne (2 sqns) Charost (2 sqns) Fumel (2 sqns)
N.B.: the cavalry of prince Camille de Lorraine arrived in the afternoon, too late to take part in the action. However, prince Camille put himself at the head of Beauffremont Dragons and Turpin Hussards, that were formed up forward to screen the armys approach
References
Anonymous officer, Journal de la Campagne de M.DCC.LX. (1760). Entre lArme du Roi aux ordres de Monseigneur le Marchal Duc de Broglie; Et celle des Allis, commande par S.A.S.
Mgr. le Prince Ferdinand de Brunswich, o lon a joint les Oprations des deux Armes aux mois de Fvrier & Mars M.DCC.LXI, par M* L* R* D* B*, Officier de Dragons & Aide-de-Camp de M. le Marquis de B* (Bthune, lieutenant-gnral, commandant la cavalerie en 1760), Frankfurt, 1761 (from Google Books) pp. 10 ff. vrard, Philippe, Praetiriti Fides Fortescue J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 503-504 Grosser Generalstab, Die Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen - Part 3 Der Siebenjhrige Krieg 17561763, vol. 12, Berlin, 1902 Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 149-151 Jomini, baron de, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, Vol. 3, 2nd ed., Magimel, Paris, 1811, pp. 227-228 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 55-58 C. Renuard, Geschichte des Krieges in Hannover, Hessen und Westfalen von 1757 bis 1763, 3 vols., Kassel, 1863-64. Rogge, Christian, The French and Allied Armies in Germany during the Seven Years War, Frankfurt: 2007 Westphalen, Christian Heinrich Philipp, Geschichte der Feldzge des Herzogs Ferdinand von Braunschweig-Lneburg, Berlin: 1859, pp. 328-333 Wikipedia, Battle of Corbach
1760-07-16 - Engagement of Emsdorf

Allied Victory
Prelude to the engagement

At the end of June the French Grande Arme, under the command of the duc de Broglie, proceeded to the invasion of Hesse. At the beginning of July, Broglie instructed the comte de Saint-Germain to leave Dortmund and to make a junction with his own army. On July 10, the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick vainly attempted to prevent this junction but was defeated at the combat of Corbach. On the night of July 14, Ferdinand of Brunswick had intelligence that a considerable French brigade under major-general baron Glaubitz (6 bns, 1 hussar rgt, some light troops) was on its way from Marburg to Ziegenhain to cover the French field-bakery established at Marburg. Ferdinand detached the Hereditary Prince to take command of 6
battalions which were lying at Fritzlar and to attack this detachment and then to destroy this field-bakery. On the morning of July 15, the prince marched rapidly southward, being joined on the way by Luckner's Hussars and by the 15th Light Dragoons, which had just arrived from Great Britain. On reaching the vicinity of Ziegenhain, he found that Glaubitz was encamped farther to the west, near the village of Emsdorf. His troops being exhausted by a long march, the prince halted for the night at Treysa. The Hereditary Prince now had an occasion to take his revenge...

no map available yet From Speckswinkel the Hatzbach stream flowed west towards Wohra, in a deep valley through a forest north of Erksdorf. A track of open land, traversed by a few hedges, gently sloped from the Hatzback to Erksdorf. A forest extended to the north and west of Emsdorf towards the Hatzbach. To the north of the French camp, between Emsdorf and Erksdorf, several streams ran through a swampy valley. An open track of land occupied the area to the south of the camp. The French were posted at the mouth of the valley of the Hatzbach, fronting to north-east, astride of the two roads that lead from Kirchhain to Fritzlar and to Ziegenhain. Their right lay in rear of the village of Erksdorf, and their left in front of the village of Emsdorf, resting on a forest some 5 km long extending to Allendorf. The camp extended on about 4 km. The Bercheny Hussards were encamped on the right wing to the south of Erksdorf while light infantry was posted to the west of this village. Anhalt Infanterie occupied the centre of the camp and Royal Bavire Infanterie the left wing. There were very few advanced posts to guard the approach of the camp.
On the morning of July 16 1760, the Hereditary Prince picked up Hanoverian Freytag Jgers, which were on their way to him, and pushed on with his mounted troops only, to reconnoitre the French position. The prince and major-general Nikolaus Luckner, who was with him, entered the forest, but found neither picquets nor sentries. They pushed forward through the corn-fields to within 1 km of the French camp but saw neither vedettes, nor patrols, nor so much as a mainguard. Furthermore, the village of Erksdorf itself, though within less than 2 km of the camp, was not occupied. They stole back well content with what they had seen. At 10:00 AM, not expecting to be attacked, Glaubitz sent one battalion of Royal Bavire Infanterie towards Marburg where it would be assigned to the guard of the field-bakery, thus depleting his left wing. The Hereditary Prince waited at Speckswinkel for his infantry to join him. His infantry had marched 11 km from Treysa through the villages of Wiera and Momberg before reaching
Speckswinkel at 11:00 AM. The Allies were only 2 km from the French right wing. Meanwhile, the Hereditary Prince had resolved to approach the French camp through the forest north of Emsdorf, thus turning the French left wing, combined with a cavalry attack on the French right wing at Erksdorf. At 11:00 AM, the Hereditary Prince posted Behr Infantry , Luckner's Hussars, the 15th Elliot's Light Dragoons, a mounted coy of Freytag Jgers and 3 guns, in a hollow near Speckswinkel, 1.5 km before Erksdorf. He placed this detachment under the command of major-general von Luckner. The latter was instructed to attack the French right wing at Erksdorf as soon as he would hear musketry fire coming from the French left wing. Then, taking the 5 remaining battalions, together with the rest of the Freytag Jgers and 11 guns, the Hereditary Prince marched through the woods towards Emsdorf. Maybe as a stratagem, maybe because the day was very hot, the soldiers removed their coat. At noon, after a march of 10 km, the Allies arrived unnoticed at Burgholz, only 2.5 km from the French left wing at Emsdorf. The few French outposts in the forest between Burgholz and Emsdorf were captured before they could alarm the camp. Meanwhile, the bread arrived at the camp of Glaubitz. Around 1:15 PM, the Allies were deployed for the attack of the French left wing. As they approached the French positions, the Allied foot clad in pale waistcoats and breeches were initially mistaken for French or Saxon troops. However, when they formed in order of battle, they put their coat back on. Mansbach Infantry was deployed on the left at the edge of the woods with 6 guns. Then came the 2nd Garde formed north and northwest of Emsdorf. Marschalk Infantry along with the Freytag Jgers and 5 guns covered the road from Emsdorf to Kirchhain. Before 2:00 PM, the Freytag Jgers opened fire on the French positions. This was the signal for general attack. The French were completely surprised. The 2 remaining battalions of Royal Bavire Infanterie were at the bread distribution, they rushed to their arms in waistcoats. Glaubitz initially thought that it was a simple skirmish with Allied jgers which were known to have roamed in the area. Royal Bavire Infanterie formed and counter-attacked Freytag Jgers but soon realised that they were facing a much larger Allied force. Their right flank was immediately attacked by the 2nd Garde whose colonel was wounded at the first discharge. The colonel of Royal Bavire Infanterie, count von Helffenberg was killed by a cannon shot but his regiment managed to retire, narrowly avoiding encirclement. It lost 300 men and all its guns in this first engagement. During this combat, Anhalt Infanterie had formed to the south-east of Emsdorf to support Royal Bavire Infanterie. The 6 Allied guns deployed with Mansbach Infantryopened on Anhalt Infanterie.
Simultaneously Luckner, at the sound of the firing, marched Behr Infantry and 3 guns in the open on his right. Then came Luckner's Hussars and, on the left, the 15th Light Dragoons. The French Bercheny Hussards tried to stop the advancing Allied cavalry but were routed. French light troops and part of Anhalt Infanterie then opened fire on the victorious Allied cavalry but they were charged in flank and rear by the 15th Light Dragoons. In this action, Anhalt Infanterie lost its 2 cannon. Seeing this, the entire French force abandoned its camp and retired through the woods in their rear towards Langenstein. Here they rallied but Luckner's Hussars and Behr Infantry hurried on beyond them to bar their way over the Ohm to westward, while the 15th Light Dragoons, pressing on along their flank, stationed itself across the road to Amneburg, and charging full upon them headed them back from that side. With some difficulty the French repelled the attack, and turning about to south-eastward made for a wood not far away, hoping to pass through it and so to escape to the south. The Allied infantry could not keep pace with the pursuit after it reached Langenstein. On arriving at the southern edge of the wood, the French found every outlet blocked by the prince's mounted irregulars. Perforce they turned back through the wood again and emerged on to the open ground on its western side, trusting that some marshy ground, which lay in the way of the prince's cavalry, would secure them from further pursuit. The French had not marched over the plain for more than 1,5 km before Luckner's Hussars and the 15th Light Dragoons were upon them again. For the second time, the 15th Light Dragoons crashed single-handed into the midst of them, cutting them down by scores and capturing an entire battalion. With great difficulty the remnant of the French beat back their pursuers and continued the retreat: half of them had been killed or captured, or had dropped down unable to march farther, but the rest struggled gallantly on. Reaching an open wood they again halted and formed for action. The Hereditary Prince, still close at their heels with his cavalry, thereupon surrounded them and summoned them to surrender. At 7:00 PM, major-general Glaubitz, despairing of further resistance in the exhausted state of his troops, was obliged to yield. So ended the action. The French camp had been surprised at noon and the last fragment of their force capitulated at 7:00 PM, having striven manfully but in vain to shake off the implacable enemy that had hunted them for nearly 30 km. The French prisoners were conducted to Ziegenhain.
Outcome
On the Allied side, colonel Freytag and M. Derenthal, Ferdinand's aide-de-camp, were wounded and M. Normand, Behr's aide-de-camp, killed. Overall, the Allies lost 162 killed, 152 wounded and 6 missing. Of these, 125 men and 116 horses belonged to the 15th Elliot's Light dragoons. In fact, it was the 15th Light Dragoons who did most of the fighting. The other Allied regiments engaged did not lose 20 men apiece. The 2 other Allied cavalry units, though they did excellent work in heading back the enemy, never came to close quarters. Luckner's Hussars did not lose a man nor a horse, and of the mounted irregulars but 23 men and horses were killed or wounded. The Allies captured 9 pairs of colours, 5 artillery pieces and a howitzer. The French lost 7 officers (including count Hessenberg and Muschinski) and more than 500 men killed, 34 officers and 577 men wounded, 300 men missing. Furthermore a large number had been taken prisoners: 177 officers and 2,482 privates, including major-general Glaubitz and prince of Anhalt. The French also lost 1,000 horses, 9 colours and 5 guns and a howitzer. Despite this tactical success, due to the stubborn resistance of the French detachment until 7:00 PM, the Allies were unable to fulfill their objective: the destruction of the French fieldbakery at Marburg.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, hereditary prince of Brunswick seconded by major-general Behr and M. de Bischausen Summary: approx. 1,290 horse, 3,740 foot and 18 guns Infantry Hanoverian Behr (1 bn) Hanoverian Marschalk (1 bn) Hessian 2nd Garde (2 bns) Hessian Mansbach (2 bns)
Light troops: Hanoverian Luckner's Hussars (4 sqns) British 15th Elliot's Light Dragoons (3 sqns) Hanoverian Freytag Jgers (2 foot coys and 2 mounted coys)

Commander-in-chief: major general Christian baron von Glaubitz Summary: 990 hussars, 4,200 foot and 6 guns Infantry
Anhalt (3 bns) Royal Bavire (3 bns)
Light troops Bercheny Hussards (6 sqns) Chasseurs d'Origny (1 bn of approx. 450 men) a small unit of volunteer attached to Bercheny Hussars
References
This article is essentially a compilation of the following books which are now in the public domain: Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 524-525 Carlyle T. History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Vol. 20 Fortescue J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 504-507 Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 152-155 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 60-61
Other sources Erdel, Eike; Das Gefecht bei Emsdorf am 16. Juli 1760
1760-07-31 - Battle of Warburg

Allied Victory

At the end of June 1760, the French Grande Arme, under the command of the duc de Broglie, proceeded to the invasion of Hesse, seizing Marburg. On July 10, at thecombat of Corbach, the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick failed to prevent the junction of the army of the Lower Rhine, under Saint-Germain, with the Grande Arme. On July 15, Dillenburg surrendered to the French. On July 16, the Hereditary Prince surprised and captured a French corps at the engagement of Emsdorf but was unable to capture the magazines and the bakery established at Marburg which were timely rescued by M. de Stainville. From July 24, Broglie successfully manoeuvred to force Ferdinand out of his advantageous positions. On July 27, Broglie's main army marched to Volkmarsen while the reserve under prince Xavier marched to Naumburg; and the chevalier de Muy marched downstream along the Diemel on Warburg.
Meanwhile, Stainville's corps besieged the fort oz Ziegenhain. Broglie's manoeuvres aimed at cutting the Allies from Paderborn and Lippstadt. Reacting to these moves, Ferdinand sent the Hereditary Prince with 10 bataillons of grenadiers and 8 squadrons and general Sprcken's corps to Krbecke to secure the passage of the Diemel. Together, the two joint forces amounted to 23 bataillons, 22 squadrons, and 26 heavy guns totalling some 14.578 men on the day of battle, not including Sprcken's detached command under major von Blow, one of Ferdinand's most trusted general-adjutant's, consisting of the "Legion Britannique", the Bckeburg carabiniers, and captain von Linsingen's brigade of Hanoverian chasseurs already located on the Diemel passage at Liebenau. On July 29, Sprcken's reenforced corps passed the river. On July 30, moving towards Kassel, Broglie marched to Zierenberg with his main army, leaving de Muy's corps dangerously isolated at Warburg. The Hereditary Prince reconnoitred de Muy's position and recommended that their own corps should turn its left flank, while Ferdinand with the main army advanced against its front. The Hereditary Prince was not officially put in command of the attacking force, because Sprcken was senior in command, in fact, he was second in command of the Allied army at that time, but the idea for an attack stemmed from the Hereditay Prince's driving initiative, which effectively put him at the head of the operation. As soon as Ferdinand was informed of the situation, he agreed and prepared his army. His general plan of attack was that the corps of Sprcken and the Hereditary Prince should advance westward in two columns from Krbecke and form up in three lines between the tower and Papenheim, so as to fall on de Muy's left flank and rear, while Ferdinand crossing the Diemel at Liebenau should attack his centre and right. As the Allied camp between Liebenau and Krbecke lay about 13 km from de Muy's, and as Ferdinand's camp lay between Imminghausen and Calden, some 24 km to the south of the Diemel from Liebenau, the operation called for extreme nicety in the execution. At 9:00 PM, Ferdinand's army marched from its camp.
Initial Manoeuvres
At 6:00 AM on the morning of July 31, the heads Ferdinand's columns passed the Diemel They then debouched on the heights of Krbecke. They arrived, however, at later than the appointed hour. The passage of the Diemel had caused much delay; and not all the haste of officers nor the eagerness of men could bring the army forward the quicker. Ferdinand then bent southward, at his best speed, to support the Hereditary Prince. At 7:00 AM, Sprcken and the Hereditary Prince, after much anxious waiting, decided to march from Krbecke in two columns before more time should be lost. A mist fell and hung on the higher ground, covering the Hereditary Prince's march for more than an hour. Just before the mist began, the Hereditary Prince saw the first troops of Ferdinand appear on a knoll-top on the right.
The Hereditary Prince's first column (which included the right wing of all three arms), under general Sprcken, made a long detour, passed by Eissen and Groeneder, marched across the woods near Nrde and formed in 3 lines towards the heights at the rear of the French positions. The second column, under the command of lieutenant-general Zastrow, marched by Krbecke, Kleineneder (probably Ltgeneder) and Menne; and formed in 3 lines with its left at Menne and its right at Ossendorf. Both columns were led by British troops Sprcken's columns by the 1st Royal Dragoons, whose place was on the extreme right of the first line, while the British grenadiers, massed in two battalions under colonels Maxwell and Daulhatt marched at the head of the infantry. Zastrow's column was headed by the 7th Queen's Own Dragoons, with 87th Foot Keith's Highlanders and 88th Foot Campbell's Highlanders following them to cover the grenadiers in second line. With these dispositions, the Hereditary Prince was outflanking the French on their left and threatening their rear. At about 8:00 A.M., the Hereditary Prince launched the Lgion Britannique upon Warburg on de Muy's right wing. De Muy was informed of the approach of the Allies. He gave orders to the marquis de Castries to reconnoitre the Allied positions with the grenadiers and chasseurs coys of all regiment of de Muy's corps, 2 dragoon rgts and Fischer Corps. However the thick fog rendered his reconnaissance useless. At 9:30 AM, when the fog lifted, Castries found himself facing the Lgion Britannique. He engaged it and momentarily drove it back, seizing a hill in front of the French positions from where he could see that a large Allied corps had passed the Diemel was was marching by the right. The chevalier de Muy personally joined Castries on the hill. When he saw the Allied corps preparing to launch an attack on his left, he quickly rode back to deploy his corps in order of battle. For his part, Castries retired with his detachment to move closer to the French camp, leaving only his rearguard to occupy the hill.
Map of the battle of Warburg on July 31 1760.
Source: Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen, volume 12 by the German Grosser Generalstabfrom the collections of Frdric Aubert and Christian Rogge
Chevalier de Muy, with Broglie's rearguard of 20,000 foot and horse, occupied a high ridge across a bend of the Diemel, facing north-east, with his back to the river with two bridges across it. De Muy's right flank leaned on Warburg and his left flank on the village of Ossendorf, some 3 km to northwest. Warburg was a pleasant little Hessian town, about 40 km west of Kassel, on the north bank of the Diemel, among knolls and hollows. To the left of the French rear rose a circular hill crowned by a tower while the village of Papenheim lay in front of its left wing. In fact, de Muy's corps occupied a pretty bad position with woods to its front, screening the Allied position; a tower looming into its camp from which all moves could be observed; its right anchored on a weakly fortified town; its left dominated by heights; to its rear, a river with steep banks and only two bridges which where half blocked by its baggage and mobile hospital; and for its retreat nothing but the mountain-passes from where it had debouched. De Muy placed 4 brigades of foot (Bourbonnais, La Couronne, Jenner and Planta) under majorgenerals d'Amenzaga and de Travers on the heights of Menne. The La Tour-du-Pin and Touraine brigades, under lieutenant-general de Maupou and major-general de Roquepin were disposed on the right close to Warburg. The lieutenant-generals de Lutzelberg and d'Auvet, with
major-generals de Lugeac, de Soupire and de Maugiron occupied the centre with the cavalry facing a very extensive plain. The dragoons under the duc de Fronsac were placed between the right of the foot and the left of the horse. The Rouergue brigade formed a reserve on a small knoll behind the left of the cavalry. The artillery was disposed in front of the line and Fischer Corps occupied the town of Warburg.
Assault on the French left

At 1:30 PM, the Hereditary Prince, having posted his artillery on the outskirts of Ossendorf and Papenheim, opened fire as the signal for attack; and at the same time the British grenadiers began to file through Ossendorf. The Bourbonnais brigade, which de Muy had thrown back en potence to protect his left flank, thereupon retired without firing. The success of the Allied attack depended on the capture of the heights in front of Ossendorf and in rear of the French position. When it was perceived that the Allies were making for the steep hill, one battalion of Bourbonnais Infanterie deliberately faced about and marched off to occupy the hill. To permit such a thing would have been to derange the whole of the plans of the Allies, so it was necessary to prevent it at any cost. Colonel Beckwith with 10 grenadiers ran forward, keeping out of sight of the French, to reach the hill before them; the Hereditary Prince himself with 30 more hurried after him; and with this handful of men, all panting and breathless, they crowned the crest of the height. Bourbonnais Infanterie arriving on the scene a little later found itself greeted by a sharp fire, and, being unable to see the numbers opposed to it, halted for 10 minutes to allow its second battalion to come up. The delay gave time for Daulhatt's entire battalion of grenadiers to join Beckwith's little party; and then the two battalions of Bourbonnais Infanterie attacked in earnest, and the combat between French and British, at odds of two against one, became most fierce and stubborn. The disparity of numbers however, was too great; and Daulhatt's men after a gallant struggle were beginning to give way, when Maxwell's battalion came up in the nick of time to support them. This reinforcement redressed the balance of the fight; Daulhatt's then speedily rallied, and the contest for the hill was renewed. At 2:00 PM, seeing the attack on the French left flank, Castries retired, throwing Fischer Corps into Warburg to occupy the town. He then marched with the rest of his detachment to support the French left. After his departure, the Lgion Britannique threw the French out of Warburg and plundered the town. De Muy then sent the brigades of La Couronne, Jenner and Planta, supported by the Rouergue brigade, to the help of the Bourbonnais brigade. De Muy then ordered his left wing brigades to form in 2 lines and the engagement began. The brigades of Bourbonnais, La Couronne and Rouergue; led by Messrs. de Sgur and Travers. They were soon joined by Castries. Meanwhile Jenner brigade under M. d'Amengaza dealt with the second Allied column.
The situation of the Allies became critical; for a battery of artillery, which was on its way to the hill to support them, got into difficulties in a defile near Ossendorf and blocked the advance of the rest of the northern column. Fortunately it was extricated, though none too soon, and being brought up to the hill was speedily in action. Castries and Sgur launched 5 successive attacks on the Allied positions with the greatest courage and, notwithstanding their superiority, forced them to give way several times. The timely support of Allied artillery and of some Hessian grenadier battalions put a stop to the French progress. At this moment, Zastrow's column debouched on the right flank of the Bourbonnais brigade. Zastrow immediately sent all the units he could spare to the assault of these strategic heights. The French brigades were driven back. The 1st Royal Dragoons and the 7th Queen's Own Dragoons were then let loose upon the broken French battalions, completing their discomfiture and taking many prisoners.
Ferdinand sends his cavalry forward

After desperate but fruitless efforts it had been found that the infantry of Ferdinand's army could not hope to arrive in time to take part in the action. The British battalions, urged by general Waldegrave, struggled manfully to get forward, but the day was hot, and the ground was difficult and in many places marshy: the men would not fall out, but they dropped down insensible from fatigue in spite of themselves. Ferdinand therefore ordered lord Granby, who had succeeded to Sackville, to advance with the 22 squadrons of British cavalry and the British artillery alone. Away therefore they started at the trot, the guns accompanying them at a speed which amazed all beholders. They advanced towards the battlefield at the top of their speed for above 8 km
Charge of the British cavalry

So far the turning movement had succeeded; but its success was not yet assured, for only a portion of Zastrow's column was yet formed for action, and the troops on the field were becoming exhausted. De Muy might yet have hoped to turn the scale in his left, when his attention was suddenly called to the advance of troops upon his front. It was Granby's cavalry which after two hours of trotting were finally within sight of the French positions. Granby at once turned them upon the cavalry of de Muy's right wing. The pace was checked for a brief moment as the squadrons formed in two lines for the attack. In the first line from right to left were the 1st King's Dragoon Guards, 3rd Dragoon Guards and 2nd Queen's Dragoon Guards, in one brigade, the Royal Horse Guards, 4th Horse, and 3rd Horse Carabiniers in another; in the second line were the2nd Royal North British Dragoons, 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, and 11th Dragoons. Then the advance was resumed, Granby riding at the head of theRoyal Horse Guards, his own regiment, and well in front of all. His hat flew from his head, revealing a bald head which shone conspicuous in the sun, as the trot grew into gallop and the lines came thundering on. De Muy sent forward the Bourbon cavalry brigade supported by the Royal-Pimont cavalry brigade to protect the right flank of his infantry. The French
squadrons wavered for a moment, and then, with the exception of the Bourbon brigade under the command of the marquis de Lugeac, turned and fled without awaiting the shock. The scarlet ranks promptly wheeled round upon the flank and rear of the French infantry; whereupon the six squadrons of the Bourbon cavalry brigade plunged gallantly down on the flank of the 1st King's Dragoon Guards, and overthrew them. But the Royal Horse Guards quickly came up to liberate their comrades. Lugeac's brigade was beaten in two minutes and forced to withdraw in the greatest disorder. The French infantry, finding itself now attacked on both flanks by Zastrow's column and by Granby's cavalry, retired towards the Diemel, its retreat covered by the Swiss Planta brigade. After 4 hours of combat, some of the Allied battalions filed off towards the French bridges on the Diemel. De Muy marched with Touraine brigade (under the command of M. de Roquepin) to defend his bridges and sent orders to La Tour-du-Pin brigade to join him as soon as possible. The French cavalry, dragoons and the left wing infantry began to withdraw over the bridges. The two bridges being half blocked by baggage, the rest of the retreating troops were forced to pass the river at fords or to swim across it. The Touraine and La Tour-du-Pin brigades formed on the heights in front of the bridges to cover the retreat. A party of French irregulars in Warburg tried likewise to escape, but was caught by the cavalry and well-nigh annihilated. Du Muy feigned to defend the line of the Diemel but the British batteries under captain Phillips came down to the river at a gallop, unlimbered on the bank, and played on the fugitives so destructively as wholly to prevent them from reforming. Furthermore, the Hereditary Prince sent 12 bns along with Granby's 10 sqns across the river, forcing de Muy to retire unmolested to Volkmarsen, 10 km south of Warburg. Broglie, at the head of the main army, had been delayed by the thick fog and took full responsibility for this defeat.
Outcome
During this action the French lost 1,600 men killed and wounded, 2,000 taken prisoners, most of their baggage and 12 guns. The brigades of Bourbonnais, La Couronne, Rochefort and Planta (particularly Lochmann Infanterie) were the greatest sufferers. Colonel chevalier de Valence of Bourbonnais Infanterie, the prince de Rochefort and the chevalier de la Tour-du-Pin were wounded. M. Lochmann was killed. The Allies lost 1,200 men out of which 800 were British, including 590 men from the British cavalry, 240 men from Maxwell's grenadiers. Colonel Beckwith was wounded in the head. For the British this battle redeemed the character of the cavalry which had been so shamefully sacrificed by Sackville at Minden; since it was evidently the recollection of that disgrace which spurred Granby on to so rapid an advance and so headlong an attack.
For Ferdinand the victory effectually opened the way into Westphalia.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Extreme right wing British converged grenadier battalion Maxwell, lieut.col. (of Kingsley's 20th regt) British converged grenadier battalion Daulhat, major (of Griffin's 50th regt)
Right wing First line (in front of Ossendorf) Hanoverian converged grenadier bataillon Wersab, lieut.col. (of Laffert 5-A regt) Hanoverian converged grenadier bataillon Bock, titular lieut.col. (of Foot Guards) Hanoverian converged grenadier bataillon Geyso, lieut.col. (of Plessen 7-B regt) Hanoverian Scheither (1 bn) Hanoverian Estorff (1 bn) Hanoverian Post (1 bn)
Second line (in front of Ossendorf) British 87th Foot Keith's Highlanders (1 bn) British 88th Foot Campbell's Highlanders (1 bn) Hanoverian Block (1 bn) Hanoverian Monroy (1 bn)
Third line (on each side of Ossendorf) Hanoverian Breidenbach Dragoons (4 sqns) British 1st Royal Dragoons (2 sqns) aka Conway
Fourth line (behind Ossendorf) Hessian Einsiedel Cavalry (2 sqns) British 7th Queen's Own Dragoons (2 sqns) aka Cope Hessian Pruschenk Cavalry (2 sqns)
Artillery battery
Center between Ossendorf and Menne First line Hessian 4. Garde (2 bns) Brunswick converged grenadier battalion Wittdorf, lieut. col. (of Leib-Grenadier Corps) Brunswick converged grenadier battalion Stammer, lieut. col. (of Imhoff regt)
Brunswick Converged grenadier battalion Redecker, major (of Imhoff regt)
Second line Hessian Land-Grenadier-Bataillon (1 bn) Hessian Toll (2 bns)
Third line Hessian converged grenadier battailon Mirbach, lieut. col. (of Anhalt regt No. 11) Hessian converged grenadier battailon Papenheim, lieut. col. (of Bischhausen regt No. 4) Hessian converged grenadier battailon Rckersfeld, lieut. col. (of Erbprinz regt No. 12) Hanoverian Bremer Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Hanoverian Reden Dragoons (4 sqns)
Left wing isolated facing Warburg Converged Lgion Britannique Dragoons (5 sqns) I./Lgion Britannique (1 bn) II./Lgion Britannique (1 bn) III./Lgion Britannique (1 bn) IV./Lgion Britannique (1 bn) V./Lgion Britannique (1 bn)
lord Granby British cavalry brigade detached from Ferdinand's main army First line 1st King's Dragoon Guards (3 sqns) 3rd Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) 2nd Queen's Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) Royal Horse Guards (3 sqns) aka the Blues 4th Horse (2 sqns) 3rd Horse Carabiniers (2 sqns)
Second line 2nd Royal North British Dragoons (2 sqns) 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons (2 sqns) 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (2 sqns) 11th Ancram's Dragoons (2 sqns)

Commander-in-chief: chevalier de Muy
Corps of Chevalier de Muy (about 18,000 men in 28 battalions and 32 squadrons with 24 heavy guns) First Line Second Line Reserve
Right Wing under lieutenant-general de Maupou and Mestre de Camp de Roquepin Chasseurs de Fischer (2,000 men) in front of the town of Warburg La Tour-du-Pin brigade (4 bns) Touraine brigade Touraine (2 bns) Enghien (2 bns) Centre under lieutenant-generals de Lutzelberg and d'Auvet and the Mestres de Camp de Lugeac, de Soupire and de Maugiron Royal-tranger cavalry brigade Royal-tranger (2 sqns) Archiac (2 sqns) Saint-Aldegonde (2 sqns) La Reine cavalry brigade La Reine (2 sqns) Balincourt (2 sqns) Crussol (2 sqns) Rouergue brigade Rouergue (2 bns) Rohan Rochefort (2 bns)
Bourbon cavalry brigade Bourbon (2 sqns) Beauvilliers (2 sqns) Montcalm (2 squadrons)
Royal-Pimont cavalry brigade Royal-Pimont (2 sqns) Descars (2 sqns) Espinchal (2 sqns)
Thianges Dragons (4 sqns) Royal Dragons (4 sqns)
Left Wing under lieutenant-generals marquis de Sgur and the Mestres de Camp d'Amenzaga and de Travers Planta brigade Planta (2 bns) Lochmann (2 bns)
Jenner brigade Jenner (2 bns) Courten (2 bns)
La Couronne brigade La Couronne (2 bns) d'Aumont (2 bns)
Bourbonnais brigade (4 bns) en potence on the left flank Artillery: 24 pieces Corps of marchal de camp M. de la Morlire in support of de Muy, at Welda 6 km to the south of Warburg Alsace infantry brigade (4 bns) Vaubcourt infantry brigade Vaubcourt (2 bns) Vastan (2 bns)
References
This article is essentially a compilation of texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Jomini, baron de, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, Vol. 3, 2nd ed., Magimel, Paris, 1811, pp. 230 Carlyle T. History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Vol. 20 Dumouriez, Charles-Franois (attributed); in Galerie des Aristocrates militaires et Mmoires secrets, London, 1791 (translated by Christian Rogge) Fortescue J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 508-512 Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 160-164 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 67-69
Other sources For the allied order of battle: Service Historique de l'Arme de Terre, Chteau de Vincennes/Paris original allied staff document entitled Disposition des corps dtachs de l'arme du camp de Calle [sic.] au 29 juillet 1760 and Ordre de bataille au camp de Calle [sic.] le 29 juillet 1760 Castries, Duc de; Le Marchal de Castries (1727-1800), Flammarion, 1956, pp. 40-41
Grosser Generalstab, Die Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen - Part 3 Der Siebenjhrige Krieg 17561763, vol. 12, Berlin, 1913
1760-10-16 - Battle of Clostercamp

French Victory

On September 22 1760, during the campaign in West Germany, Ferdinand resolved to prepare an offensive on the Lower Rhine with the objective of Capturing the fortress of Wesel. On the same day, a powerful train of siege-artillery, under the count of Lippe-Bckeburg, marched away from Geismar for Wesel. On September 25, the Hereditary Prince followed from Warburg with 15,000 men to cover the siege of Wesel. A few day later, Ferdinand sent reinforcements to the Hereditary Prince (12 bns, 4 cavalry rgts). The British division consisted of the 11th Foot, 20th Foot, 23rd Foot, 25th Foot, 33rd Foot, 51st Foot; 2 grenadier bns, 2 Highlanders bns, the 1st (Royal) Dragoons, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons and 10th Dragoons. On September 30, the Hereditary Prince appeared in front of Wesel. By October 3, the place was completely invested. Meanwhile Castries was advancing with a relief force by forced marches, despite the dreadful state of the roads, along a route full 80 km south of the prince's, to the Rhine. On October 12, Castries crossed the Rhine at Cologne. By October 13, Castries had assembled a corps of 32 bns and 38 sqns (about 20,000 men) at Neuss. On October 14, Castries marched to Moers, his vanguard reaching Rheinberg, forcing an Allied advanced post to retire. When the Hereditary Prince heard of the approach of a French relief force, he resolved to attack it. Accordingly, he left a few bns in the trenches and marched to the enemy despite his numerical inferiority (21 bns and 22 sqns). On October 15, the Hereditary Prince encamped at Ossenberg on the left bank of the Rhine. The same day, Castries took position in a strong position behind the Eugene Canal running from Geldern to Rheinberg.
Initial Manoeuvres
On October 15, at 10:00 PM, leaving 3 bns and 4 sqns towards Rheinberg in front of the French right, the Hereditary Prince marched in dead silence on Clostercamp with 18 bns and 20 sqns. His force was disposed in 5 divisions. The 1st Royal Dragoons and6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, and Prussian hussars formed the advanced guard. Then came the support of 2 battalions of Highlanders; then the main body under command of general Waldegrave; then the reserve under general Howard; then a rear-guard of the10th Dragoons and 10 Hanoverian and Hessian squadrons.
Map of the Erbprinz's approach of Clostercamp on October 16 1760.
Source: Christian Rogge in The French and Allied armies at Kloster Kamp October 16, 1760
Castries had taken up a position behind the Eugenian Canal, facing north-west, with his right resting on Rheinberg, and with the abbey of Kloster Kamp, on the northern side of the canal, before his left front. Immediately before his left, but on his own side of the canal, stood the village of Kampenbrck, consisting of several scattered houses with gardens, ditches, and hedges. In front and to the left, or western, side of Kampenbrck was a morass covered by a straggling wood of sparse and stunted trees, through which were cut paths to a bridge that connected the village with the abbey on the other side of the canal. Across this bridge lay the
Prince's only way to penetrate into the French camp; and Castries had been careful to guard the passage by posting no less than 2,000 irregular troops in and about the abbey. The only possible chance for the Prince lay in an attack by surprise.
Map of the battle of Clostercamp on October 16 1760.
Source: Christian Rogge in The French and Allied armies at Kloster Kamp October 16, 1760
The Attack
On October 16 at 2:00 AM, the Allied vanguard reached a French outpost 2 km north of Clostercamp. Despite the strict orders, Allied troops fired on this post which was soon taken. This sporadic fire did not alarm the French troops who believed that it was simply a patrol. The Allied army managed to reach the bridge over the Eugene canal unmolested, thus cutting off Fischer Corps in the abbey from the French main body. The isolated Fischer Corps was then attacked. Fischer took the only reasonable decision and, despite darkness, assembled most of his men and retired towards Guelders. While the musketry was still crackling loud round the abbey's walls the prince stealing silently on with the British grenadiers penetrated into the wood towards village of Kampenbrck. Nevertheless alarm had been given and the French left wing dressed the ranks, but the darkness of the night prevented it to take any other precautions safe to send grenadiers and chasseurs of Auvergne Infanterie on the left at the place from where the enemies could debouch, to support Fischer's Corps as agreed the previous day. The Hereditary Prince resumed his march so quietly and yet so swiftly that he had passed the canal at Niederkamp and seized the village of Kampenbrck before the French were aware of his presence. Castries went to the left wing where he found M. de Rochambeau who had
deployed the chasseurs and grenadiers of Auvergne Infanterie on the road to Moers as well as in the hedges and houses of Kampenbrck. This advanced post had temporarily stopped the Allied column, allowing Auvergne Infanterie to come to its support. A picquet of Auvergne Infanterie posted in the thickets in front of Kampenbrck came to contact with British grenadiers. Captain chevalier d'Assas then shouted Auvergne, voici les ennemis! before falling, pierced by several bayonets. Rochambeau reported the situation to Beusenval who sent ahead lieutenant-colonel de Sgur. The latter immediately rushed to the spot with a battalion of Auvergne Infanterie and advanced into the village where he was wounded and captured. Furthermore, M. de Beusenval had his horse killed under him and M. de Castagnos was wounded. Castries ordered Rochambeau to deploy the 4 battalions of Auvergne Infanterie along the canal, their extreme left anchored on the marsh near Kampenbrck. Castries then led Alsace Infanterie to the left wing to support Auvergne Infanterie.Alsace Infanterie took positions in the hedges and houses to the right of Auvergne Infanterie and these 2 brigades sustained repeated attacks. With the Allies advance stopped, Castries now dealt with the means to oblige them to retire, and it was with this in view that La Tour-du-Pin Infanterie, who was then arriving, was ordered to advance in column by the right on a wide opening debouching on Kloster Kamp where the Allied column could be attacked in the rear. The guns of this brigade then opened on the left flank of the Allies. A fierce combat ensued. Meanwhile, M. de Lugeac planted 2 16-pdrs, under the command of M. Thiboutot, in front of theGendarmerie de France. The supports of the Allies came up in their turn; and the fight swayed furiously backward and forward until daylight. At daybreak, M. de Roquepine arrived from the right with 8 battalions while M. de Chabot was instructed to leave only 200 men of Fischer Corps in the town and to march to the point of attack with the rest of his corps. The reserves of the Allies were promptly and frequently summoned, but through some mistake were not to be found. Auvergne Infanterie and Alsace Infanterie having suffered heavily while repulsing repeated attacks. M. d'Auvet was sent to their support with Normandie Infanterie and Briqueville Infanterie. D'Auvet's brigade entered into the hedges to stop the head of the Allied column. Still the little force of British and Hanoverians fought desperately on. As the action lasted since three hours and could not be decided, M. de Castries went himself at La Tour-du-Pin Infanterie to make it charge at the point of the bayonet the Allied column attacking Auvergne Infanterie, Alsace Infanterie and Normandie Infanterie. The Hereditary Prince himself fell wounded from his horse. After a deadly combat which lasted until noon, the Allies, unable to drive the French out of their positions, were forced to retire on Alpen. The French broke their ranks with loud cries of exultation for the pursuit and entered into the heath near Kampenbrck despite orders given to them to keep their position. Elliot's British
cavalry swooped down upon them, charging home as their custom is, broke up 2 battalions completely, and drove the rest flying back in confusion into the hedges. D'Auvet then advanced with I./Briqueville Infanterie who fired on the British cavalry and stopped it. Royal-Pimont Cavalerie along with 1 squadron of Balincourt Cavalerie, led by the comte de Thiard de Bissy, now came forward in overwhelming numbers and handled the British squadrons very roughly; but the charge of the British cavalry had given the infantry time to rally, and to make their retreat in good order. The Allied reserve finally appeared at Kloster Kampen in time to cover the retiring troops. By noon, the battle of Clostercamp was over. During the combat on the French left wing, a small Allied column tried to turn the French right and fired a few cannonballs on the Royal-tranger cavalry brigade, commanded by the marquis de Cursay, who managed to contain the Allied column till the arrival of La Couronne infantry brigade. Upon the approach of this brigade, the Allied column retired. During the affair, the Allies planned to attack Rheinberg. The comte de Chabot, who commanded there with the vanguard, and who, not waiting for the orders given to him by M. de Castries, had moved part of his troops on his left to be in a better position to help him, walked immediately to his right when he heard that fire was moving away and he penetrated in Rheinberg at the moment when an enemy detachment was going to attack it. His dispositions during this day were made with such accuracy that he was always able to help the left and to assure the right for which he was responsible. When the enemies retired, he debouched from Rheinberg, followed them up and took a few prisoners.
Outcome
The Allies lost 10 officers, 16 NCOs and 221 privates killed; 68 officers, 43 NCOs and 812 privates wounded; 7 officers, 6 NCOs and 429 privates made prisoners 1 gun, 1 British colour and 14 ammunition wagons. Lieutenant-colonels Pitt and Lord Downe were wounded and taken prisoners; major-generals Elliot and Griffin together with lieutenant-colonels Johnson and Harvey were wounded; and Major Follock of Keith's Highlanders was killed. The Hereditary Prince had his horse killed under him and received a slight wound in a leg. The French loss was as heavy and heavier, Normandie, Auvergne and Alsace brigades having heavily suffered. Overall, 2,469 men and 192 officers of all ranks had been killed or wounded. The French infantry alone losing 19 captains killed and 87 wounded; 7 lieutenants killed and 76 wounded; 815 soldiers killed and 1,644 wounded. The French cavalry lost 1 officer killed and 3 wounded; 5 troopers killed and 28 wounded; and 92 horses killed or wounded. Furthermore, lieutenant-general de Sgur and brigadier-general de Wangen and 300 men were taken
prisoners. The marquis de la Tour-du-Pin had been wounded by a shot in the thigh, the marquis dEscars, colonel of Normandie, by a shot at the head. The comte de Rochambeau, colonel of Auvergne, had been slightly wounded. The baron de Wangen, brigadier, colonel commanding Alsace Infanterie, had been captured at the beginning of the action. M. de Grenneville, officer of the Gendarmerie, had been killed by a gun shot. The French also lost 2 guns and 1 pair of colours. The struggle was unusually stubborn and murderous, and the fire of the British was so rapid and deadly that 3 French brigades were almost wiped out of existence. Yet it is said that after this action the Hereditary Prince would never take British troops under his command again (yet the British Guards were with him on the Lippe in 1761). He admitted that general Waldegrave did wonders in the combat, but he complained of the behaviour of his troops, though Waldegrave bore witness that not a man retired until his ammunition was exhausted. It may have been that the prince was irritated by the failure of the reserve to arrive when it was wanted; but no blame is imputed to any one for this mischance, which appears to have been due simply to bad luck. Mauvillon, who is always very frank in his criticism of the British, says flatly that he does not believe in their misconduct on this occasion; and as the only extant list of casualties, though very far from complete, shows that they lost 500 killed and wounded, it should seem that the prince's strictures were ill deserved.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Summary: 7.500 men in 21 bns, 22 sqns and 24 guns, excluding Kielmansegg's brigade left behind in front of Wesel (as per Savory), all units being much below strength with an average battalion strength of about 250 men Troops within each column listed in order of march: right wing forming the head. Avant-garde under major-general Elliot Prussian Malachowski Hussars (2 sqns) under lieutenant-colonel Jeanneret British 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons (2 sqns) British 1st Royal Dragoons (2 sqns) aka Conway British 87th Foot Keith's Highlanders (1 bn) British 88th Foot Campbell's Highlanders (1 bn)
Main force under lieutenant-general Waldegrave Avant-garde under colonel Beckwith
Picked Highlanders (150 men) (drawn from 87th Keith's Highlanders and 88th Campbell's Highlanders)
British converged grenadier battalion Maxwell (lieutenant-colonel of Kingsley's 20th regt)
British converged grenadier battalion Lennox (former Daulhat)
Main body 1st brigade under major-general Griffin British 20th Kingsley's Foot (1 bn) British 25th Edinburgh aka Home's (1 bn) British 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers (1 bn)
2nd brigade under major-general von Behr Hanoverian Marschalk (1 bn) Hanoverian Reden (1 bn) Hessian Erbprinz von Hessen (2 bns)
Reserve under lieutenant-general Howard 1st brigade British 11th Bocland's Foot (1 bn) British 33rd Griffin's Foot (1 bn) British 51st Brudenell's Foot (1 bn)
2nd brigade Hessian 2. Garde (2 bns) Hessian Landbataillon von Mller (4 coys)
Cavalry under colonel Harvey British 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons (2 sqns) Hanoverian Leib-Regiment (2 sqns) Hessian Einsiedel Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prschenk Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns)
Containing force under major-general von Bock, north of Rheinberg Hanoverian Alt Zastrow (1 bn) Hessian 3. Garde (2 bns) Hanoverian Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Hanoverian and Hessian artillery (24 guns), for the most part but some guns assigned to other brigades Containing the French north of Rossenray
Hanoverian Volontaires (1 bn) under captain von Winzigerode
Kielmansegg's brigade left behind near Wesel Hanoverian Block (1 bn) Hanoverian Jung Zastrow (1 bn) Hanoverian Wrede (1 bn)

Commander-in-chief: lieutenant-general marquis de Castries, his headquarters in Rossenray with part of II./Corps Royal de l'Artillerie - Invilliers Brigade (1 battery of 6 guns, including 2 to 4 16-pdrs) Summary: 16,000 men in 31 bns, 32 sqns and 6 field guns, excluding Fischer Corps (as per Renouard). Savory gives only some 7,000 men. However, in a relation of the battle written by Castries himself, he evaluates the French force who took part to the engagement to 12,000 men, including cavalry. First Line Second Line Reserve
Far Right under marchal-de-camp comte de Chabot assisted by marchal-de-camp marquis de Roqupine La Couronne brigade under the comte de Montbarrey in front of Rheinberg La Couronne (2 bns) Horion Infanterie (2 bns) Brigade Ligeoise under M. de Rouergue infantry brigade under Sionville (absent) in Rheinberg the comte de Champagne, south of Rheinberg Bouillon (2 bns) Vierzet (2 bns) Rouergue (2 bns) Rohan Rochefort (2 bns) Tournaisis (1 bn)
Rserve de dragons under the marchal-de-camp duc de Fronsac Royal Dragons (4 sqns) Thianges Dragons (4 sqns)
Right Wing under lieutenant-general marquis dAuvet Normandie brigade Normandie (4 bns) Briqueville (2 bns) La Tour-du-Pin brigade (4 bns) under the marquis de la Tour-du Royal-tranger (2 sqns) Bourbon (2 sqns) Crussol (2 sqns) Royal-Pologne (2 sqns) Royal-tranger cavalry brigade under the marquis de Cursay
Pin Left Wing under lieutenant-general marquis de Sgur assisted by marchaux-de-camp baron de Beusenval and baron de Wurmser Alsace infantry brigade (4 bns) under the baron de Wangen Auvergne infantry brigade (4 bns) under the comte de Rochambeau Poly Saint-Thibault (2 bns) Descars (2 sqns) Balincourt (2 sqns) Royal-Pimont (2 sqns) Far Left Fischer Corps (1 bn and 4 sqns), detached on the far left at Kloster Kamp Royal-Pimont cavalry brigade Gendarmerie de France (8 sqns) under the comte de Thiard de under the marquis de Lugeac Bissy
N.B.: Pajol also mention a Mante militia battalion accompanying the artillery The bulk of Castries' remaining heavy guns (16?) under the command of the chevalier de Pelletier, marchal-de-camp, actually arrived at the end of the action and formed up behind the cavalry
References
The main source for this article has been an article written by Christian Rogge on the French and Allied armies at Kloster Kamp October 16, 1760. This article has been complemented with texts extracted from the following books which are now in the public domain: Anonymous, A Complete History of the Present War, from its Commencement in 1756, to the End of the Campaign, 1760, London, 1761, pp. 533-534 Carlyle T. History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Vol. 20 Castries, Duc de; Le Marchal de Castries (1727-1800), Flammarion, 1956, pp. 41-49 Castries, marquis de; Relation de la Bataille donne par M. le marquis de Castries le 16 octobre 1760 Fortescue J. W., A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 515-518 Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 178-179
Jomini, baron de, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, Vol. 3, 2nd ed., Magimel, Paris, 1811, pp. 238-239
Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 70-73 Renouard, Carl; Geschichte des Krieges in Hannover, Hessen und Westphalen von 1757 bis 1763, Kassel 1863
Tempelhof, G. F. v., Geschichte des Siebenjhrigen Krieges in Deutschland vol. IV, Berlin, 1783
Other sources vrard, Philippe; Praetiriti Fides Savory, R; His Britannic Majestys Army in Germany during the Seven Years War, Oxford 1966
1761-02-15 - Combat of Langensalza

Prusso-Allied victory

On February 9 1761, Ferdinand of Brunswick launched an offensive in Hesse hoping to reconquer this country while the French were dispersed in their winter-quarters. On his extreme left, Sprcken advanced against the isolated Saxon corps stationed in the area of Langensalza (today Bad Langensalza). Frederick II had also detached a corps (7,000 men) under the command of General Syburg to assist Sprcken in his enterprise against the Saxons. On February 14, the Allied and Prussian corps made their junction near Langensalza, repaired the broken bridges over the Unstrut during the night and prepared to launch a coordinated attack on the Saxon corps.
Map
Map of the combat of Langensalza fought on February 15 1761. Source: Kriege Friedrichs des Grossen, by the German Grosser Generalstab
On February 15 before daybreak, the Comte de Solms at the head of Prinz Friedrich August Infantry to position on a height to the left of Langensalza on the road between Thamsbrck and Schnstedt. A battalion of Saxon Converged Grenadiers already occupied the position. They were soon reinforced by Prinz Xaver Infantry. At 7:00 AM, all Allied and Prussian troops came to the Unstrut river side to pass it, but the thaw had so increased the waters that the banks were flooded from Mhlhausen almost to Langensalza. The Prussian cavalry got through the passage of Merxleben while their cannon was battering the town of Langensalza. Sprcken sent 8 sqns of his first line across the Unstrut at Thamsbrck with a brigade of chasseurs and a squadron of Luckner's whose whole corps could not pass, the waters continuing out all day. At 7:30 AM, Prinz Joseph Infantry and Prinz Maximilian Infantry joined the Saxon force assembled under the Comte de Solms on the height near Langensalza. The Prussians appeared almost simultaneously, debouching in 4 columns and deploying in order of battle in 2 lines on the heights of Merxleben. The Comte de Solms immediately sent a messenger to Mhlhausen and another officer to ask Prinz Anton Infantry to force march to join him as soon as possible. However, the latter officer could not reach Prinz Anton Infantry because enemy hussars and jgers had already taken position between de Solms' corps and Prinz Anton Infantry.
Major von Falkenberg at the head of one squadron of Alt Bremer Cavalry delayed the Saxon regiment Prinz Anton Infantry for more than two hours till the arrival of Lieutenant-general Reden followed by his regiment (Reden Dragoons). At about 7:45 AM, Stainville arrived and deployed his force in order of battle on the slopes behind the Judenberg; his dragoons on the right in a prairie, his left towards Langensalza, and the Judenberg occupied by some cannon and infantry piquets. At 8:00 AM, the 10 hussars sent by the Comte de Solms to reconnoitre the banks of the Unstrut near Thamsbrck fired to signal that they had located the Allies. Shortly after, Allied cavalry and jgers were seen forming on a height near Thamsbrck. They were soon joined by other cavalry and by 8:15 AM, 8 Allied squadrons and 2 jgers battalions were deployed in order of battle on this height. At 8:15 AM, the Prussian right formed in column and debouched on the bridge of Merxleben, halting as soon as it reached it. The Prussian left was deployed near Ngelstedt. The Prussians then began to cannonade Stainville's positions with the battery plated the previous day near Merxleben. The Comte de Solms had deployed his division in order of battle on a height with a ravine running from Zimmern to Uffhofen on his left; the road from Langensalza to Schnstedt to his front; his right anchored on a ravine facing the enemy. With the Allied cavalry now deployed in order of battle on the left of Solms' division, the latter was redeployed with its right to the road leading to Schnstedt; and the Prinz Maximilian Infantry and Prinz Joseph Infantry en potence to protect the exposed Saxon left flank. The Comte de Sols asked for cavalry reinforcements to the Comte de Stainville. At about 8:45 AM, the Volontaires de Schomberg (250 horse) joined the Comte de Solms. Meanwhile, the Vicomte de Graulme informed the Comte de Solms that Stainville had received orders to retire on Eisenach. At this moment, the Allied cavalry marched speedily against Solms' left while the Prussians, who now had nothing to fear from Stainville, marched on Langensalza. The Comte de Solms retreated by his centre, staying behind with his grenadiers to cover his retreat. The Chevalier d'Orb, captain at Royal-Nassau Hussards, offered his services to guide the retreating force through the ravine made even more impracticable by the thaw and continuous rain. But instead of leading the column by Uffhofen as planned, he directed it on Zimmern. The Comte the Solms realised to late the mistake made by the Chevalier d'Orb, the Hanoverian cavalry was already reaching Zimmern to attack his flank. The Saxon infantry was forced to pass the Salza with water at knee height and the Saxon artillery had mush difficulties to pass the stream. This delay gave enough time to Lieutenant-general Hodenberg to march
through the village of Zimmern and to arrive on the right flank of the retreating Saxons. In the mean time, the Prussian cavalry debouched from Langensalza, threatening the left of the Saxons. Part of the Prussian cavalry formed in column to attack the flank of the Saxon grenadiers forming the rearguard who were still near Uffhofen, delayed by a false manoeuvre of the Volontaires de Schomberg who had thrown themselves between the grenadiers and Prinz Maximilian Infantry. Another part of the Prussian cavalry, who had deployed in line on a slope, charged the grenadiers frontally. The Saxon grenadiers repulsed these two initial attacks. However, the Prussians rallied and launched a second charge. Meanwhile a detachment of Zieten Hussars who had marched by Langensalza to the right of the ravine of Uffhofen attacked the Saxon grenadiers in the rear. Surrounded on all sides, the Saxon grenadiers finally surrendered. While the Saxon grenadiers delayed the Prussians, the head of the Saxon columns continued to cross the ravine to avoid total encirclement. The 8 Allied squadrons under Hodenberg had already passed the village of Zimmern and marched on Prinz Friedrich August Infantry, the first Saxon unit to pass the ravine. The Saxon cannon were located so low that they could not fire at the Allied cavalry. The rest of the Saxon division managed to pass the ravine and most of it took refuge in a wood sheltered from the enemy cavalry. However, the Allied cavalry attacked the two Saxon regiments forming the end of the column: Prinz Joseph Infantry and Prinz Maximilian Infantry. The Allies charged them with 6 squadrons, isolating a division of Prinz Joseph Infantry and the entire battalion ofPrinz Maximilian Infantry. Four Allied squadrons then surrounded these isolated Saxon units who received them with a general salvo and at the point of the bayonet. During the engagement, 2 Allied squadrons managed to turn the rear of these units. Lieutenant-general Hodenberg attacked a Saxon regiment who had formed a square and was wounded during the ensuing engagement. The Saxon Garde zu Fuss, I./Prinz Xaver Infantry and I./Prinz Friedrich August Infantrysurrendered to the Prussians while Prinz Maximilian Infantry (aka Prinz Karl) and Prinz Anton Infantry surrendered to Sprcken's 8 sqns. During the combat, the infantry of Sprcken's first line had passed the Unstrut at Thamsbrck. The Saxons were on the point of being completely surrounded when La Ferronnaye Dragons arrived to the rescue. Without taking time to form properly, they charged the Allied cavalry, driving it back and capturing Lieutenant-general Hodenberg, 1 standard, 3 officers and about 60 troopers. After the intervention of the French dragoons, the Saxons managed to reach
Eisenach, not without loosing many exhausted prisoners to the hussars who were following them in the distance. Near Eisenach, the Saxons made a junction with Stainville's corps. The head of the column reaching the place at 7:00 PM while the tail of the column arrived only on February 16 at 10:00 AM. After the action, the Allied and Prussian troops being greatly fatigued, Syburg cantoned his corps at Langensalza and Sprcken's corps re-entered its former quarters on the left of the Unstrut, except Luckner's body which remained at Mlverstedt and Schnstedt.
Outcome
Sprcken computed the enemy loss that day at 5,000 men, at the same time that his own scarcely exceeded 100. Lieutenant-general Hodenberg was wounded and taken prisoner. The Prussians took 3 bns and 7 pieces and Sprcken's troops took 2 bns and 6 pieces. Furthermore, the Saxons lost 2,000 taken prisoners before managing to make a junction with Stainville's corps near Eisenach.
Order of Battle
Since the departure of Prince Xaver of Saxony for Paris on February 7, the Reserve of the Army of the Upper Rhine was under the command of the Marquis de Saint-Pern. Hereafter, we list the entire reserve although only a part of it took part in the action. Commander-in-Chief: Marquis de Saint-Pern First line under the Lieutenant-general Comte de Stainville assisted by the marchaux de camp Baron de Klingenberg and Baron La Brggen Cavalry deployed along the left bank of the Gera from Tottleben to Gebesee Du Roy Dragons (4 sqns) La Ferronnaye Dragons (4 sqns) Volontaires de Schomberg (4 sqns) Lgion Royale (900 foot and 400 horse)
Infantry from Gotha to Grfentonna and, along the Unstrut, to Langensalza Castellas Infanterie (2 bns) at Gotha Rochow Fusiliers (1 bn) at Gotha Kurprinzessin Infantry (2 bns) at Langensalza Prinz Sachsen-Gotha Infantry (1 bn) at Langensalza Prinz Clemenz Infantry (1 bn) at Ngelstedt Graf Brhl Infantry (1 bn) at Burgtonna
Frst Lubomirsky Infantry (1 bn) at Grfentonna Champagne Infanterie (4 bns) at Mhlhausen Volontaires d'Austrasie (400 men) at Mhlhausen Compagnie Franche de Monet (1 coy of 50 men) at Mhlhausen
Second line under the Comte de Solms assisted by Lieutenant-general de Galbert, MajorGeneral de Borck and Colonel Carlsbourg Converged Saxon Grenadiers (2 unidentified bns) at Eisenach Saxon Garde zu Fuss (1 bn) at Eisenach Royal-Nassau Hussards (100 men) at Eisenach Artilery (1 coy) at Eisenach Prinz Maximilian Infantry (1 bn) aka Prinz Carl at Mechterstdt Prinz Anton Infantry (1 bn) at Wenigenlupnitz Prinz Joseph Infantry (1 bn) at Sonneborn Prinz Xaver Infantry (2 bns) at Groengottern Prinz Friedrich August Infantry (2 bns) at Oberdorla, Niederdorla, Langula and Bollstedt
Saint Pern's division had been sent to the area of Sontra the preceding day Grenadiers de France (4 bns) Grenadiers Royaux unspecified regiment (2 bns) unspecified regiment (2 bns)
Picardie Infanterie (4 bns) Volontaires du Hainaut (a detachment)
Prusso-Allied Order of Battle

Sprcken's Allied Corps
Commander-in-Chief: General von Sprcken assisted by Lieutenant-general Count von Kielmansegg, Lieutenant-general von Wangenheim; Major-general von Mansberg, Generalmajor von Hanstein, Lieutenant-general von Hodenberg, Lieutenant-general von Reden, Majorgeneral von Bock, Major-general von Scheele, Major-general von Luckner, Colonel von Donop Infantry Halberstadt (1bn) Rhoedern (1 bn) Kielmannsegg (1 bn) Dreves (1 bn) Schulenburg (1 bn) Laffert (1 bn)
Plessen (1 bn) Ahlefeld (1 bn) Mansbach (2 bns) Bischhausen (2 bns) 3/9 Balcke Grenadiers (1 bn) Hilgenbach Hessian Grenadiers ?? (1 bn) 1/6 Schlotheim Grenadiers (1 bn) 5/8 Stirn Grenadiers (1 bn) Kutzleben Militia (1 bn)
Cavalry Grothaus (2 sqns) Luckner's Hussars Heise (2 sqns) Veltheim (2 sqns) Walthausen (2 sqns)
Hodenberg Cavalry (2 sqns) Alt Bremer Cavalry (2 sqns) Reden Dragoons (2 sqns) Hessian Leib Dragoons (4 sqns)
The following units are also mentioned in the Nafziger order of battle but do not correspond to the order of battle given by Westphalen Estorff Infantry (1 bn) Hardenberg Infantry (1 bn)
Syburg's Prussian Corps

Commander-in-Chief: Syburg (6 bns, 25 sqns, 20 pieces) Syburg's Detachment Grenadier Battalion G-I/G-II Lossow (1 bn) Grenadier Battalion 2/G-XI Natalis (1 bn) Grenadier Battalion 38/43 Heilsberg (1 bn) Prussian Leib-Carabiniers (5 sqns) Prinz von Preuen Cuirassiers (5 sqns) Artillery 4 x 12-pdr guns 6 x 6-pdr guns
Lllhfel's Detachment
Frei-Infanterie de Angelelli (2 bns) Frei-Infanterie von Wunsch (? bn) Frei-Infanterie von Lderitz (1 bn) Leibregiment zu Pferde (5 sqns) Seydlitz Cuirassiers (5 sqns) Zieten Hussars (500 men) under Major von Prittwitz and Major Reitzenstein
References
This article is essentially a compilation of texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Broglie, Victor Franois (duc de); Correspondance indite de Victor-Franois, duc de Broglie, marchal de France,: avec le Prince Xavier de Saxe, comte de Lusace, lieutenant gnral, pour servir l'histoire de la Guerre de sept ans (campagnes de 1759 1761) tome III, Paris: Albin Michel; pp. 485-487, 635-642 Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 193-194 Renouard, Carl; Geschichte des Krieges in Hannover, Hessen und Westfalen von 1757 bie 1763, vol. 3; pp. 79-86 Westphalen, C. H. P.; Geschichte der Feldzge des Herzogs Ferdinand von BraunschweigLneberg, vol. 5; Berlin 1872; pp. 83-84 Other sources Hanoverian Forces at the Battle of Langensalza February 15 1761, Nafziger collection
1761-03-21 - Engagement of Grnberg

French victory

At the end of February 1761, the Allies drove Broglie's army back to the Rhine during their campaign in Hessen. However, on March 9, Broglie received a reinforcement of 15,000 men led by de Muy and arriving from the Lower Rhine. On March 11, the duc de Broglie marched with all his army to relieve Kassel, forcing the Allies to gradually retire. On March 16, Stainville cannonaded the positions of the Hereditary Prince of Brunswickat Stangenrod, forcing him to retire to Homberg/Ohm. On March 19, the Hereditary Prince advanced on Stangenrod and Wirberg near Grnberg while Luckner drove theLgion Royale from Laubach back to Hungen. On March 20, the duc de Broglie sent reinforcements (3 cavalry brigades and the Grenadiers de France) to Stainville to attack the Hereditary Prince and drive him back
beyond the Ohm. He also sent Closen to Stangenrod to support Stainville's main attack on Grnberg and prevent any Allied counter-attack from Homberg; Poyanne (Carabiniers and Auvergne brigade) to Londorf to support Closen; furthermore, Boccard's Swiss brigade was sent to support Poyanne.
Map
No map available yet.
On March 21, Stainville deployed his corps in 2 columns. Broglie personally joined Stainville on a height near Grnberg. They observed the French columns arriving in very good order. Stainville led personally the column attacking Grnberg while brigadier Diesbach led the second column against Laubach. During his attack on Grnberg, Stainville heard a cannon and musket fire on his right. Presuming that it was Luckner's corps who had been driven out of Laubach by M. de Diesbach, he dispatched the Volontaires de Schomberg supported by the Royal-Allemand brigade to the heights separating Grnberg from Laubach to cut Luckner's line of retreat. Stainville then sent the comte of Scey-Montbeillard with the Du Roy Dragons and La Ferronnaye Dragons to the heights of Stangenrod on his left before launching his attack on Grnberg. When the comte de Scey reached the heights of Stangenrod, he could see Closen's corps (Orlans Dragons, Autichamp Dragons, Volontaires d'Austrasie, Volontaires du Hainaut, Volontaires trangers de Clermont Prince and Volontaires de Saint-Victor) to his left. Scey also discovered the positions of the Hereditary Prince in the village of Alzenhain which was surrounded by a pond and several ravines. The Allies were not expecting an attack in this area and would have been completely surprised. However, Closen preferred to open with his artillery on the closest Allied units. The Allies then retired precipitously from the village and formed on the heights behind Alzenhain. Closen detached his light infantry in the woods of Bernsfeld to outflank the Allies on their right and personally led his mounted light troops and dragoons against their left flank. At the head of 2 sqns of Autichamp Dragons, supported by 2 sqns ofOrlans Dragons and followed by the mounted light troops (the Volontaires), he overwhelmed their cavalry who gained the cover of the wood. Seeing this, Closen wheeled left and attacked the infantry column, throwing it into disorder and taking several prisoners. When Du Roy Dragons from Scey's corps joined the fray, marching to the right of the pond located on the left side of the village, the Allied infantry formed in columns and marched towards the nearby wood. The Allied infantry then broke and was pursued through the thickets.
The Allied cavalry had by now rallied. When Closen reached the plain, he was charged by this Allied cavalry. Closen's squadrons where by this time disordered and were driven back. However, the II./La Ferronaye Dragons countercharged supported by a salvo from the Volontaires de Saint-Victor. The Allied cavalry was repulsed and the French dragoons and mounted light troops pursued them. However, the last charge of the Allied cavalry gave enough time to the Hereditary Prince to retire on Burg-Gemnden and to repass the Ohm in great confusion. During this time, the Royal-Allemand brigade, who was supposed to advance through the woods along the Ohm and to form in the plain, came under fire of Luckner's artillery planted on the the village of Niederohmen. This delay prevented Royal-Allemand from reaching its assigned position to complete the encirclement of the Allies and allowed the Hereditary Prince to escape with most of his corps. During the action at Grnberg, d'Origny took possession of the village of Wetter, abandoned by the Allies, while Wurmser drove back the Allies from Gross-Seelheim and Klein-Seelheim; and Rochambeau made a diversion to attract Ferdinand's attention.
Outcome
In this action, the Allies lost 3,000 men (including 2,000 prisoners: 1 bn of theBrunswick LeibRegiment, 2 bns of Imhoff Infantry and 1 bn of Rhoedern Infantry), 18 colours, 1 standard and 14 guns. General Rhoedern, who commanded the Hanoverians, was killed. The French lost about 100 men killed or wounded, the Baron de Closen being wounded at an elbow by a musket ball. He was replaced at the head of his vanguard by M. de Montchenu.
Order of Battle
These orders of battle are very preliminary. We have not yet found a comprehensive source listing all units involved.

Commander-in-Chief: Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Infantry (9 rgts) Brunswick Leib-Regiment (2 bns) Imhoff Infantry (2 bns) Rhoedern Infantry (1 bn) Halberstadt Infantry (1 bn) Laffert Infantry (1 bn) Unidentified Hanoverian or Brunswicker or Hessian units (4 rgts)
Cavalry
Unidentified Hanoverian cavalry (2 sqns)
Luckner's corps

Commander-in-Chief: Stainville Volontaires de Schomberg (3 sqns) Royal-Allemand cavalry brigade Royal-Allemand (2 sqns) Wurtemberg (2 sqns) Nassau-Ussingen (2 sqns)
Scey-Montbeillard brigade Du Roy Dragons La Ferronnaye Dragons
Closen's corps Orlans Dragons (2 sqns) Autichamp Dragons (2 sqns) Volontaires d'Austrasie Volontaires du Hainaut Volontaires trangers de Clermont Prince Volontaires de Saint-Victor
References
This article is essentially a compilation of texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, p. 201 Jomini, Henri, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 4me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, p. 221 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 161-162 Renouard, Carl; Geschichte des Krieges in Hannover, Hessen und Westfalen von 1757 bis 1763, Vol. 3; Kassel, 1864, pp. 113-119 Other sources The London Magazine: or, Gentleman's Monthly Intelligencer, Vol. 30, 1761, pp.
1761-07-16 - Battle of Vellinghausen

Allied victory

On July 8, during the campaign of 1761 in West Germany, the French Army of the Upper Rhine, under the Duc de Broglie, and the larger Army of the Lower Rhine, under the Prince de Soubise, made a junction at Soest. The joint strength of the two French armies, after deducting the detachments made from both of them, was just about 100,000 men. The Allied army under the command of Ferdinand of Brunswick, after the arrival of Sprcken, who had made his way to him from the Diemel with all haste, amounted to no more than 60,000 men. However, even with such odds against him, Ferdinand stood firm, refusing to cross to the north bank of the Lippe and abandon Lippstadt, as the French commanders had hoped. He was determined that they should fight him for Lippstadt; and they, knowing their adversary, were not too eager to hazard the venture. On July 10, Ferdinand reorganised his camp: his right at Hilbeck his centre at Illingen Granby at Vellinghausen Sprcken (8,000 men) at Herzfeld on the left bank of the Lippe to watch Prince Xavier of Saxony, who lay with a corps in the vicinity of Paderborn. From July 11 to 14, the Allied and French armies faced each other without attempting any attack. Indeed, Broglie and Soubise first planned to attack on Sunday July 13. Then, Broglie postponed the attack to July 15 to make further reconnaissance. On July 14, after several days of deliberations, Broglie and Soubise finally agreed on a plan of attack. Broglie would march by Oestinghausen to take position near Hultrop. The French plan called for Broglie's vanguard to launch 2 divisions against the posts of Nateln and Vellinghausen, defended by the corps of Wutgenau and Granby, but particularly that of Granby between the Lippe and the Ahse. Broglie's army should be reinforced by Cond's corps. Simultaneously, Soubise would advance from Erwitte on the Salzbach and keep the rest of the Allies distracted by an attack on Scheidingen, at the same time sending a cloud of light troops round the right flank of the Allies to Hamm, 9 km in their rear, so as to create confusion and embarrass their retreat. This plan had the default to announce the intentions of the French general much in advance.
Map
Vellinghausen was a poor little hamlet in a moory difficult ground in Paderborn Country, near the south or left bank of the Lippe River. It lay to the north of Soest. Ferdinand's positions extended about 13 km, looking eastward. General von Sprcken with about 8,000 men was left on the north bank of the Lippe at Herzfeld, to watch Prince Xavier of Saxony, who lay with a corps in the vicinity of Paderborn. The main Allied army was encamped on the south bank of the Lippe, with its left resting on the river; from whence the left wing extended to the village of KirchDinker on the Ahse, a branch of the Lippe impassable except by bridges. Vellinghausen, Ferdinand's headquarters, lay midway between the Ahse and the Lippe at the foot of a declivity called the Dinkerberg. From the Lippe to Vellinghausen the ground was occupied by Wutginau's corps, of 7 battalions and 5 squadrons, all of them German troops. From Vellinghausen to Kirch-Dinker the heights were held by Granby's corps, consisting of 2 battalions of British grenadiers, the 5th Foot, the 12th Foot, the 24th Foot and the 37th Foot under Brigadier Sandford, 87th Keith's Highlanders and 88th Campbell's Highlanders, 6 Allied battalions, the Scot Greys Dragoons, the 7th Dragoons and the 11th Dragoons in one brigade under General Harvey, and 8 Allied squadrons, together with a regiment of Hanoverian artillery. From the Ahse the position was prolonged to the right along a similar line of heights by the villages of Sud Dincer and Wambeln to the rear of Werl at Budberg, the whole of the front being covered by a marshy brook called the Salzbach. From the Ahse to Wambeln the ground was occupied by Anhalt's corps of 10 German battalions and the British 1st Dragoons, 6th (Inniskilling) Draggons and 10th Dragoons; to the right of Anhalt stood Conway's corps, of 3 battalions of British Guards with their grenadiers massed into a fourth battalion, Townsend's brigade of the 8th Foot, 20th Foot, 25th Footand 50th Foot, and the 1st (The King's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards, 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards and 4th Regiment of Horse, or The Black Horse; to the right of Conway stood Howard's corps, consisting of Cavendish's brigade of the 11th Foot, 33rd Foot,23rd Foot and 51st Foot, 2 German battalions, the British light batteries and 2 brigades of Hessian artillery; and finally the extreme right from Wambeln to Hilbeck was held by the Hereditary Prince's corps of 25 battalions and 24 squadrons of Germans. The centre of the Allied positions was astride of the Ahse and the right wing stood to the south side of the Ahse. In front of these positions, Ferdinand had various little hamlets: Kirch-Dinker, Scheidingen, Wambeln and others. Ferdinand has thrown up earthworks in most of these villages, taking advantage of bogs, rough places and woods. The Salzbach was an obstacle well-nigh insuperable, the only passage by which the French could cross it being by the village of Scheidingen, opposite to Conway's corps, where an old redoubt, dating from the days of Turenne, still remained to bar the way. The weak point of the position was its right flank which, though more or less protected by a quaggy brook which ran into the Ahse and the marshy ground bordering it, lay practically in the air, and could have been turned with little difficulty.
Map of the battle of Vellinghausen fought on July 15 and 16, 1761 - Source: Fortescue J. W., "A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899"
Ferdinand position was strong but dangerous since he had no retreat, should he be tumbled back into the angle where Ahse and Lippe meet, and into the little town of Hamm where his magazine was.
Tuesday July 15, Broglie reconnoitred all day and drove in all Ferdinand's outposts. For some reason Wutginau's corps had been encamped one km in rear of its position in the line of battle. At noon, Wutginau received orders, in consequence of suspicious movements by the French, to strike tents and march forward. However, this order was later cancelled. At 5:00 PM, Broglie set out from the camp of Erwitte, marched in 3 columns and encamped his army at Oestinghausen. These 3 columns consisted of: the rightmost column consisting of the vanguard division under M. de Closen, was to march by Hultrop and attack Vellinghausen the centre consisting of the main body of the army under the duc de Broglie, charged to support the attacks of the 2 other columns
the leftmost column consisting of the vanguard division under M. de Belzunce with the Grenadiers de France and the Grenadiers Royaux under the command of the Comte de Stainville, were to proceed along the Ahse and attack the castle of Nateln
At about 6:00 PM, Broglie suddenly burst into onslaught on Ferdinand's position. His attack came upon it as a complete surprise. Belzunce occupied the castle of Nateln where he took about 100 prisoners. Closen's column attacked the wood of Vellinghausen with the light infantry of the Volontaires de Saint-Victor, supported byNassau Prince Louis Infanterie and Royal DeuxPonts Infanterie, and by the 2 elite battalions (grenadiers and chasseurs) of Auvergne Infanterie and Poitou Infanterie, dislodging one of Granby's outposts at Hause Nehle. Granby's corps (10 bns, 6 sqns, 10 x 6-pdrs), which was in camp about Vellinghausen, had only just time to seize its arms and turn out, leaving the tents standing; the Highlanders indeed hardly emerging from their tents before the French guns opened fire on them. The British first opposed a vigorous resistance to Closen's assault but were finally pushed back into the village of Vellinghausen where they were charged anew. When Ferdinand was informed of the French manoeuvres who threatened the road to Hamm. He immediately gave orders to Granby to hold his positions at all cost. Wutginau with his corps (7 bns, 5 sqns) was instructed to march to the left to Bloch (unidentified location) upon the high road from Lippstadt to Hamm to cover the line of retreat and then to support Granby. Ferdinand also sent order to Anhalt (10 bns, 6 sqns) to pass the Ahse with his division to replace Wutginau and to link with the right of Wutginau's division. Lieutenant-general Conway (9 bns, 7 sqns, some British artillery) was ordered to replace the Prince of Anhalt between Illingen and Hohenover. Finally, Sprcken, who was encamped at Hertzfeld on the right bank of the Lippe, received orders to send 6 bns and 6 sqns under general Wolff to reinforce Granby. Ferdinand then went to Granby's camp. Closen drove the Allies back beyond Vellinghausen and even captured the barricade protecting Granby's camp. However, Granby managed to contain the French attack until the arrival of Wutginau's division, who attacked the enemy right flank. The French were then forced to take refuge into the wood. M. de Closen then asked Broglie for reinforcements. Broglie sent the Comte de Guerchy who commanded the rightmost division to support the Volontaires de Saint-Victor. Guerchy advanced with the battalion of grenadiers and chasseurs of the Dauphin Brigade. The latter brigade led by the Marquis de Maupou and the Marquis de Rochechouart supported Closen. Guerchy followed personally at the head of Du Roi Infanterie and 15 field-pieces. Closen then renewed his attack on Vellinghausen, repeatedly taking and losing the village. Granby's and Wutginau's corps made a fine defence. Broglie called off the assault at 10:00 PM. His troops were masters of the villages of Vellinghausen and Nateln. Broglie then sent forward the Duc d'Havr with the Aquitaine and
Roug's brigades to occupy the village, relieving the troops engaged during the day. He also sent the Duc de Duras and the Comte de Vaux at the head of the Champagne, Auvergne and Poitou brigades to support the troops defending Vellinghausen. During the attack on Vellinghausen, Broglie received a letter from Soubise, announcing his march on Einecke and informing Broglie of his intention to retain Cond's corps because he felt that the Allies were reinforcing their right. Broglie knowing that, on the contrary, Ferdinand was reinforcing his left, directly invited Cond to join him with his corps and suggested to Soubise to replace Cond's corps with another one in his present position. During the whole day, Soubise had not moved forward against Scheidingen. In fact, the time fixed by the French marshals for their decisive attack had been the early hours of July 16, so that Broglie's advance had been premature. He excused himself by saying that he had intended only to drive in the outposts of the Allies but that he had been encouraged by his unexpected success to bring forward more troops to hold the ground that he had gained, and that he had accordingly appealed to Soubise to hasten his movements likewise. Had Broglie really pushed his attack home he would probably have succeeded, for the Allies were too weak to stop him and were, moreover, short of ammunition. But Broglie was too timid a man to take responsibility on his own shoulders; so instead of making a bold attempt to carry the Dinkerberg, which if successful must have forced Ferdinand to retreat, he stopped short at Vellinghausen, leaving the Allies in their position unmoved. The night passed uneasily in the Allied camp. Between the Lippe and the Ahse skirmishing never ceased. The road to Hamm was full of wagons going and returning with loads of ammunition; Anhalt's corps, together with all the British of Howard's corps, was streaming across the Ahse to reinforce Granby; and Conway's and the Hereditary Prince's were extending themselves leftward to cover the ground thus left vacant. For Ferdinand knew Broglie to be his most dangerous antagonist and was determined to stop him at all costs by fresh troops. Broglie, on his side, was equally busy replacing the battalions that had already been engaged. Colonel Grevendorff took position in the village of Krich-Dinker with 2 Allied battalions Next morning, July 16, at about 4:00 AM, Broglie, having warned Soubise overnight, deployed his columns and launched a new assault in earnest on Ferdinand's left wing which had been considerably strengthened overnight. The ground was so much broken up by hedges and ditches that in many places the troops engaged, though no more than 150 m. apart, were unable to see each other and fired furiously, not without destructive effect, at every puff of smoke that betrayed an enemy's presence. The Allied artillery opened on the village of Vellinghausen. Broglie, considering that he was not strong enough to sustain the Allied attack alone, informed Soubise that he intended to retire to his initial positions at Oestingshausen. However, Broglie's army, being engaged, could not
retire. Furthermore, Cond, who had received no troops to replace his force at Nateln, could not come to Broglie's support. At 7:00 AM, Soubise received Broglie's message announcing his intention to retire. Soubise had just began to move to force the passage of the Salzbach towards Scheidingen, faintly attacking Allied piquets in three different places, making himself master of the bridge and village of Scheidingen, repeatedly attacking a redoubt commanding the dbouch of that village, and launching his Irish Brigade against 3 Allied battalions. Soubise now feared to engage the Allies alone, he immediately recalled his columns and retired to his former camp at Kloster-Paradies despite the fact that he benefited from an overwhelming superiority over Allied forces facing him. Indeed, a column (16 bns, 30 sqns) under the command of Lieutenant-General Marquis de Dumesnil had taken post near Werl and another column (12 bns, 14 sqns) had marched to Unna. These two columns were ready to turn the positions of the Hereditary Prince. Until 8:00 AM, this fusillade continued, neither side gaining or losing ground, till at last it slackened from the sheer exhaustion of the men, after more than 12 hours of intermittent action. Meanwhile Broglie was looking anxiously for Soubise's demonstration against the Allied centre and right, but he looked in vain. Soubise had already decided to retire. At about 8:30 AM, after a brief respite, the fire opened again on the Allied left. Sprcken had detached 6 battalions from Herzfeld to reinforce Wutginau and the arrival of fresh Allied troops infused new life into the engagement. Broglie too showed symptoms of reviving energy, for 2 French batteries were observed in motion towards a height opposite the Dinkerberg, from which they might have made havoc of Granby's corps. Ferdinand ordered that Vellinghausen and the height should be carried at all costs and Maxwell's grenadiers, the 87th Keith's Highlanders, the 88th Campbell's Highlanders,Imhoff Infantry (2 bns), and the Hanoverian Foot Guards (2 bns) advanced forthwith to storm it. The French were so much exhausted that they appear hardly to have awaited the attack. They broke and fled precipitately, abandoning their dead, their wounded, and several guns. Maxwells grenadiers alone made the 4 battalions of Roug Infanterieprisoners. At 10:00 AM, disheartened by his failure and by the apathy of Soubise, Broglie stopped the attack and gave the word to retreat. Allied light troops followed the retreating French as far as Hultrop. Broglie covered his movements with the Grenadiers de France and the Grenadiers Royaux. The retreat was made in good order in a difficult terrain which prevented any attack of the Allied cavalry. Broglie was able to draw off his troops with little loss indeed.
Outcome
In this action, the Allies lost from 290 killed, 927 wounded, 183 taken prisoners and 3 cannon in the area of Vellinghausen while the Hereditary Prince had lost 21 killed, 84 wounded and 9 taken prisoners. Total Allied losses thus amounted to 311 killed, 1,011 wounded and 192 prisoners. Broglie's loss was 5,500 men, 2,000 of them prisoners, 6 colours and 19 guns. The Duc d'Havr, the Marquis de Cirrae, the Lieutenant-General Marquis de Roug and his son Colonel Roug were killed during the battle. Soubise had 24 men killed... Dumouriez who was present at this battle said: This battle was lost by the ambitious rashness of the marchal de Broglie, who attacked one day too early to win it all by himself, and by the reprehensible envy of the Prince de Soubise, who sacrificed the honour of France to the criminal pleasure of mortifying his rival. The Allied victory was in fact trifling except for its moral effects. The French were humbled at the failure of a 100,000 men against 60,000. Furthermore, Broglie and Soubise, who had left the camp with embraces, returned to it sworn enemies, each bitterly reproaching the other for the loss of the battle. Lasty, Broglie, who possessed some military talent and had hitherto been anxious to bring his enemy to action, came to the conclusion that a general engagement with Ferdinand was a thing henceforth not to be courted but to be shunned.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-Chief: Ferdinand of Brunswick Right wing under the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Lieutenant-General Oheimb's brigade Hanoverian Busche Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian 1/6 Wolf von Gundersberg Grenadiers (1 bn) Hessian 7/11 Mirbach Grenadiers (1 bn) Hessian 3/9 Balcke Grenadiers (1 bn) Hessian 10/12 Blow Grenadiers (1 bn)
Lieutenant-General Kielmansegg assisted by Major-General Halberstadt Hessian Leib Dragoner (4 sqns) Hanoverian Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Artillery (1 coy) Hessian 2/4 Schmidt Grenadiers (1 bn)
Hessian 5/8 Stirn Grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Kielmannsegg (1 bn) Hanoverian Craushaar (1 bn) Artillery (1 coy)
Major-General Bartheld Hanoverian Monroy (1 bn) Hanoverian Halberstadt (1 bn) Hessian I./Prinz Karl (1 bn) Artillery (1 coy) Hessian II./Prinz Karl (1 bn) Hanoverian Block (1 bn) Hanoverian Estorff Artillery (2 coys)
Lieutenant-General Bose Hanoverian Meding (1 bn) Hanoverian Schele (1 bn) Hessian Leib Regiment (2 bns) Hessian Bartheld (2 bns) Hessian Erbprinz (2 bns) Hessian 2nd Garde (2 bns) Hessian 3rd Garde (2 bns)
Lieutenant-General Bremer in second line Centre Lieutenant-General Prince von Anhalt's Corps Major-General Bischausen's Brigade Hessian Mansbach (2 bns) Hessian Prinz von Anhalt (2 bns) Hanoverian Leib-Regiment Reuter (2 sqns) Hanoverian Heise (2 sqns) Hanoverian Jung Bremer (2 sqns) Hanoverian Alt Bremer (2 sqns) Hessian Wolff (2 sqns) Hessian Hessian Gens d'Armes (2 sqns)
Major-General Harling's Brigade Brunswicker Imhoff (2 bns)
Brunswicker Leib-Regiment (2 bns)
Major-General Scheele's Brigade Hanoverian Foot Guards (2 bns)
Major-General Elliot's Brigade British 1st Royal Dragoons (2 sqns) under Conway British 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons (2 sqns) British 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (2 sqns)
Lieutenant-General Howard's Corps Major-General Cavendish's Brigade British 11th Bocland's Foot (1 bn) British 33rd Griffin's Foot (1 bn) British 51st Brudenel's Foot (1 bn) British 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers (1 bn)
Major-General Pembroke's Brigade behind the left wing British Royal Horse Guards (3 sqns) aka "The Blues" British 4th Regiment of Horse, or The Black Horse (2 sqns) under Honeywood British 3rd Regiment of Horse (Carabiniers) (2 sqns)
Major-General Braun's Reserve Brigade British Light Artillery Hanoverian Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn) Hanoverian II. Artillery Brigade Schaumburg-Lippe-Bckeburg (1 bn)
Lieutenant-General Conway's Corps Major-General Caesar's Brigade Converged Grenadiers of the British Guards (1 bn) British II./1st Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) British II./3rd Scots Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) British II./2nd Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn)
Major-General Townshend's Brigade British 8th King's (1 bn) under Colonel Barrington British 25th Edinburgh (1 bn) under Colonel Erskine British 50th Carr's Foot (1 bn) British 20th Kingsley's Foot (1 bn)
Major-General Douglas' Brigade British 1st (The King's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards (3 sqns) under Colonel Bland
British 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) under Sir George Howard British 2nd (The Queen's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) under Waldegrave
Left wing Lieutenant-General Marquis of Granby's Corps, assisted by Lieutenant-General Waldegrave Colonel Beckwith's Brigade British Welsh's Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) British Maxwell's Converged Grenadiers (1 bn)
Major-General Sandford's Brigade British 5th Hodgson's Foot (1 bn) British 24th Cornwallis' Foot (1 bn) British 37th Stuart's Foot British 12th Napier's Foot (1 bn)
Major-General Mansberg's Brigade Hanoverian Artillery (1 brigade) Brunswicker Mansberg (2 bns)
Colonel Beckwith's Brigade British 88th Campbell's Highlanders (1 bn) British 87th Keith's Highlanders (1 bn)
Harvey's Reserve Brigade British Scots Greys Dragoons (2 sqns) British 11th Ancram's Dragoons (2 sqns) British 7th Queen's Own Dragoons (2 sqns) under Mostyn
Captain Pentz Light Troops Brigade V./Lgion Britannique (1 bn) under Pentz II./Lgion Britannique (1 bn) under Udam
Light Cavalry British 15th Elliot's Light Horse (3 sqns) Prussian Ruesch Hussars (3 sqns) Prussian Malachowski Hussars (2 sqns)
Hessian Jger-Corps
Lieutenant-General Wutginau's Corps supporting the left wing Lieutenant-General von Gilsa's Brigade
Hessian Wutginau (2 bns) Hessian Fsilier-Regiment von Gilsa (2 bns)
Major-General von Rosenberg's Brigade Brunswicker Prinz Friedrich (2 bns)
Major-General Bock's Brigade Hanoverian Bock (1 bn)
Major-General von Blow's Brigade Hanoverian Garde du Corps (1 sqn) Hanoverian Grenadiers cheval (1 sqn) Brunswicker Brunswick Carabiniers|Carabiniers (3 sqns)
Wolff's Corps detached by Sprcken from Herzfeld to reinforce Wutginau Colonel Ahlefeld Brigade Hanoverian Jung Zastrow (1 bn) Hanoverian Dreves (1 bn) Hanoverian Sance (1 bn) Hanoverian Ahlefeld (1 bn) Hanoverian Scheither (1 bn) Hessian Bischhausen (2 bns)
Wolff Brigade Hanoverian Walthausen Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian Erbprinz (2 sqns)
Rest of Sprcken which remained at Herzfeld on the left bank of the Lippe and did not take part in the battle Hanoverian Behr (1 bn) Hanoverian Otten (1 bn) Hanoverian Laffert (1 bn) Hanoverian Rhoedern (1 bn) Hanoverian Wrede (1 bn) Hessian Malsburg (2 bns) Hanoverian Hodenberg Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Alt Behr Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian Einsiedel Cavalry (2 sqns) Brunswicker Riedesel Hussars (6 coys)
Hanoverian Freytag Jgers (3 brigades) under Lieutenant-Colonel Friederich, major von Linsingen and captain von Blowsen

The French order of battle is very preliminary. We have not yet found a comprehensive source listing all units involved.
Arme du Haut Rhin

Commander-in-Chief: Marchal Duc de Broglie Advance guard Baron de Closen Volontaires de Saint-Victor Grenadiers and Chasseurs of Auvergne (1 bn) Grenadiers and Chasseurs of Poitou (1 bn) Nassau (3 bns) Royal Deux-Ponts (3 bns)
Lieutenant-General Marquis de Poyanne Corps des carabiniers de Monsieur le Comte de Provence (1,600 men)
Lieutenant-General Comte de Guerchy Grenadiers et Chasseurs of Dauphin (1 bn) Dauphin (2 bns) Du Roi (4 bns)
Lieutenant-General Duc d'Havr Rouergue (2 bns) Aquitaine (2 bns) Lieutenant-General Duc de Duras Champagne (2 bns) Auvergne (4 bns) Poitou (2 bns)
Lieutenant-General Comte de Stainville Grenadiers de France (4 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Puysgur (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Le Camus (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Chantilly (2 bns)
Vicomte de Belzunce Roug (4 bns) Light Infantry (400 men)
Artillery 10 light guns 5 medium guns
To do: complete Broglie's OOB
Arme du Bas Rhin

Commander-in-Chief: Marchal Prince de Soubise This order of battle is based on an order of battle of Soubise's army in June 1761. Soubise had surely done some detachments and his entire army was probably not present at Vellinghausen.
Order of Battle
First Line Right Flank Grenadiers Royaux d'Ally (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Cambis (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Mhgan (2 bns) Second Line
Right Wing Cavalry under Lieutenant-General du Second line under the Prince de Croy assisted by Mesnil assisted by Marchaux de camp de Thiars Marchaux de camp de Melfort and Comte de and de Cursay Bissy Royal Brigade under La Roque Royal (2 sqns) Trasseigny (2 sqns) Saint-Aldegonde (2 sqns) Royal-Cravate Brigade under Nanclas Royal-Cravate (2 sqns) Espinchal (2 sqns) Fumel (2 sqns)
Aquitaine Brigade under Saint-Astier Aquitaine (2 sqns) Vog (2 sqns) Bourbon (2 sqns)
Orlans Brigade under No Orlans (2 sqns) Descars (2 sqns) Beauvilliers (2 sqns)
Royal-Pimont Brigade under de Gamaches Conti (2 sqns) Preyssac (2 sqns) Royal-Pimont (2 sqns)
La Reine Brigade under Crussol des Salles (2 sqns) Crussol (2 sqns) La Reine (2 sqns)
Infantry Centre under Lieutenant-General de Chevert Lieutenant-General de Mailly assisted by the Lieutenant-General de Castellas assisted by Marchal de camp de la Tour du Pin and
Marchaux de camp Brhant and Roquepine Pimont Brigade under d'Esparbs Pimont (4 bns) Forez (1 bn)
Lemps Boisgelin Brigade Boisgeslin (4 bns) Lemps (2 bns)
Lyonnais Brigade under Vastan Lyonnais (2 bns) Vastan (2 bns)
Touraine Brigade Touraine (2 bns) Gardes Lorraines (2 bns)
Lieutenant-General de Voyer assisted by the Prince de Rohan La Reine Brigade under Crussol d'Amboise La Reine (1 bn) Flandres (2 bns) Cond (2 bns)
Lieutenant-General de Sgur assisted by the Prince de Rochefort and de Blot Orlans Brigade Orlans (2 bns) Saint-Maurice ?? (2 bns)
Bouillon Brigade Bouillon (2 bns) Horion (2 bns) Vierzet (2 bns)
La Marck Brigade under de Bergh La Marck (3 bns) Royal Sudois (3 bns)
Lieutenant-General Chevalier de Lvisassisted by the Marchal de camp de Wurmser and Brigadier de Salis Reding Brigade Reding (2 bns) Salis de Mayenfeld (2 bns) Boccard (2 bns)
Lieutenant-General de Vog assisted by Drummond Brigade Irlandaise under O'Gilvy (N.B.: regiments not necessarily listed in precise order) Bulkeley (1 bn) Dillon (1 bn) Berwick / Fitz James (1 bn) Royal cossais (1 bn) O'Gilvy (1 bn) Rooth (1 bn) O'Brien de Clare (1 bn)
Alsace Brigade Alsace (4 bns)
Lieutenant-General de Saint-Chamont assisted by the Marchaux de camo de Talaru and de Bezons Briqueville Brigade under Merville Enghien (2 bns) Briqueville (2 bns)
Limousin Brigade Rouergue (2 bns) Limousin (2 bns)
Talaru Brigade La Couronne (2 bns) Talaru
Lieutenant-General de La Salle Vaubcourt Brigade under Montazet Bretagne (2 bns) Vaubcourt (2 bns)
Normandie Brigade under Molire La Marche Prince (1 bn) Normandie (4 bns)
Left Wing Cavalry under M. de Luzenne assisted M. de Brancas assisted by the Marchaux de by the Marchaux de camp d'Aubign and Turpin camp de Lugeac and de Prigord Royal-Pologne Brigade Royal-Pologne (2 sqns) Escouloubre (2 sqns) Poly Saint-Thibault (2 sqns) Bourgogne Brigade under Moustiers Bourgogne (2 sqns) Moustiers (2 sqns) Talleyrand (2 sqns)
Le Roy Brigade Cond (2 sqns) Charost (2 sqns) Le Roy (2 sqns)
Royal-Roussillon Brigade under d'Heere Lusignan (2 sqns) Noailles (2 sqns) Royal-Roussillon (2 sqns)
Right Flank Corps of the Prince de Cond Dragons under the Marchaux de camp de Thianges and d'Apchon and Brigadiers La Potterie and La Badie Royal Brigade Royal (4 sqns) Flamarens (4 sqns) Grenadiers Royaux la Tresne (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de L'Espinasse ?? (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de Longaunay (2 bns)
Choiseul Brigade Choiseul (4 sqns) Languedoc (4 sqns)
Dauphin Brigade Chapt (4 sqns) Dauphin (4 sqns)
Maison du Roy under M. de Fougres Gardes du Corps (4 coys, each of 343 men, equivalent to 8 sqns) Gardes Brigade Gendarmes de la Garde (1 sqn)
Chevau-lgers de la Garde (1 sqn) Mousquetaires de la Garde (2 sqns)
Gendarmerie Grenadiers cheval (1 sqn) Gendarmerie de France (8 sqns)
Brigades des Gardes Gardes Franaises (4 bns) Gardes Suisses (2 bns) Other Units Troops attached to the Etat-Major Damas Cavalerie (2 sqns) Royal Cantabres Infanterie (1 bn) Paris Militia (1 bn) Montargis Militia (1 bn) Valenciennes Militia (1 bn) Soisson Militia (1 bn) Sarreguemines Militia (1 bn) Colmar Militia (1 bn) Lons-le-Saulnier Militia (1 bn) Alenon Militia (1 bn) Guides (1 coy of 40 men) Artillery I./Corps Royal de l'Artillerie Saint-Auban (1 brigade) Joigny Militia (1 bn) III./Corps Royal de l'Artillerie de la Pelleterie (200 men) Mantes Militia (1 bn) V./Corps Royal de l'Artillerie d'Invilliers (1 brigade) Light Troops under Brigadier Fischer Volontaires du Dauphin (948 men) Volontaires trangers de Clermont Prince (948 men) Chasseurs de Cambefort (150 men) Dragons et Chasseurs de Conflans (2,000 men)
Chamborant Hussards (6 sqns) Corps du Gnie under M. de Bourcet Ingnieurs (5 brigades) Mineurs (1 coy of 60 men)
References
This article is essentially a compilation of texts from the following books which are now in the public domain: Carlyle T., History of Friedrich II of Prussia vol. 20 Fortescue, J. W.; A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 527-531 Hotham (probably), The operations of the Allied Amy under the command of his Serene Highness Prince Ferdinand Duke of Brunswic and Luneberg beginning in the year 1757 and ending in the year 1762, London: T. Jefferies, 1764, pp. 212-220 Jomini, Henri, Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 4me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, p. 20-23 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 183-186 Sichart, L. v.; Geschichte der Kniglich Hannoverschen Armee, Hannover, 1870 (order of battle 761GAC of the Nafziger Collection)
1762-06-24 - Battle of Wilhelmsthal

Allied victory
Introduction
For the campaign of 1762 in West Germany, Ferdinand of Brunswick could count on a larger army than in his previous campaign. However, the French armies still remained far superior to his own. Nevertheless, Ferdinand determined to be first in the field. On June 21, Ferdinand advanced to the Diemel and took position between Krbecke and the heights of Teichsel with the main Allied army. On June 22, Soubise and d'Estres moved northward from Kassel, closer to the Diemel, with the French army of the Upper Rhine, encamping at Burguffeln between Immenhausen and Grebenstein. The Reserve of the right wing under M. de Castries advanced towards Carlsdorf and took position with its right anchored on the wood of Reinhardswald. Meanwhile, the Comte de Stainville covered the left of the French army by taking position on the heights bordering the stream of Westuffeln. Soubise and d'Estres thought that Ferdinand had moved closer to the Diemel to prevent the passage of French troops. They did not consider the possibility of an Allied attack. They fixed their headquarters at Wilhelmsthal and halted. The positions taken by
the French army were very badly chosen: too far from the Diemel to prevent its passage by the Allies; its right flank rested on the large forest of Reinhardswald who could have been rendered absolutely secure by the occupation of the Sababurg, which commanded every road through that forest. Nevertheless, Soubise and d'Estres allowed this important post to fall into Ferdinand's hands. Again, the occupation of the passes to the south of the Diemel would have secured their front; but here also they had allowed the Allies to be before them. Furthermore, they had stationed Castries with the Reserve of the right wing at Carlsdorf, in absolute isolation from their main body. On June 23, Ferdinand sent all his advanced posts across the Diemel to cover the construction of bridges over the river. Meanwhile, seeing the bad dispositions of the French camp, Ferdinand saw his opportunity and, though he could bring but 50,000 men against their 70,000, resolved to strike at once. Accordingly, he recalled Luckner, posted at Slbeck across the Weser, to pass this river at Wambeck during the night and to march to Gottsbren, a little to the north of the Castle of Sababurg. When Ferdinand received confirmation of Luckner safe arrival at 8:00 PM, he ordered the whole army to be under arms at midnight, ready to pass the Diemel in 7 columns by 3:00 AM.
Allied plan of attack

Luckner's corps was just one of those that Ferdinand was preparing to draw around the unsuspecting French. The position of the other corps had already been chosen: the first column, consisting of the British cavalry, would pass the Diemel at Liebenau and move south upon Zierenberg to fall upon the French left flank the second column, consisting of the British infantry and artillery, would pass the Diemel downstream of Liebenau the third column, consisting of the Brunswicker infantry, would pass the Diemel at Lamerden the fourth column, consisting of the Hanoverian heavy artillery, would pass the Diemel at Eberschtz the fifth column, consisting of the Hessian infantry followed by 16 sqns of the left wing, would pass the Diemel between Eberschtz and Sielen the sixth column, consisting of 12 bns of Hanoverian infantry under Sprcken, would pass the Diemel at Sielen, turn a little to the eastward upon Hmme and, marching from thence southward, would fall upon the right flank and rear of Castries' corps at Hombressen the seventh column, consisting of the rest of the cavalry of the left wing, would pass the Diemel downstream of Sielen
The 20th Kingsley's Foot would pass at 2:00 AM near Liebenau and would take position on the heights facing Zwergen to cover the passage of the Allied columns. Lord Cavendish's Chasseurs (unidentified unit) along with Hanoverian jgers, the picquets of the army and Riedesel Hussars would form the vanguard. The passage of the Diemel was planned at 4:00 AM for all 7 columns. As soon as the British, Hessian and Brunswicker troops would reach the heights near Kelze, they would form with their right at the wood and ravine of Niedermeiser and their left to the Asse River; with the village of Kelze, the ponds and the heights of Langenberg to their front. The cavalry of the fifth column would form in echelon on the left behind the Hessian infantry. Cavendish's Chasseurs and Hanoverian jgers should try to make themselves masters of the heights of Langenberg and of the dbouchs of Westuffeln and Calle (maybe Calden). Meanwhile at 3:00 AM, Luckner, with 6 bns and 7 sqns, would march south-west from Gottsbren through the forest of Sababurg to Mariendorf, and then advance to Udenhausen to form up to the left of Sprcken on Castries' right rear. Furthermore, Major Specht and Colonel Riedesel would push forward from the Sababurg with a body of light troops. Specht would then leave his infantry near Holzhausen and advance with his cavalry to Hohenkirchen, on the south and left of Luckner. Once the Allied army in position, Sprcken would attack the French right flank posted near Carlsdorf while General Luckner would try to turn this right flank. All equipages would remain a the Tower of Warth (unidentified location) between Borgentreich and Bhne. Supposing that every corps fulfilled its duty exactly in respect of time and place, there was good hope that the entire force of the French might be destroyed.
Map
Map of the battle of Wilhelmsthal - Source: Fortescue J. W., "A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899"
In the night of June 23 to 24, the Allies threw bridges over the Diemel. On June 24 between 1:00 and 2:00 AM, Granby's corps passed the Diemel near Warburg and, after a long detour by Nieder-Listingen and Ober-Meiser arrived on the rear of the French army to capture Drnberg. At 4:00 PM, the seven columns of Ferdinand's army passed the Diemel. At 5:00 AM, Sprcken's two columns emerged from the Reinhardswald. They found only two vedettes before them on the heights of Hombressen, and ascended those heights unopposed. Sprcken, not seeing Castries' corps, which, as it chanced, was hidden from them by a wood, turned mistakenly left instead of right and advanced unconsciously towards the front of the French main army instead of marching against Castries' Corps. The startled French vedettes galloped back to give the alarm. Castries' corps started to cannonade Spcken who decided to launch his attack on the heights of Hombressen without waiting for Luckner's support. Sprcken deployed his artillery to answer to Castries' cannonade.
All this noise gave alarm to the French army who finally came out of its lethargy. The situation was critical since French commanders had no instruction and did not know if they should attack or retire. During this time, Castries did not spare any effort to put a stop to Sprcken's advance, threatening his right flank with a few battalions who were finally forced to retire. Castries was preparing to repeat the same manoeuvre with his cavalry against the left flank of the Hanoverians when he noticed the arrival of Luckner's corps. Castries cancelled the attack but maintained his defensive positions. Between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, Sprcken's gradually arrived near Hombressen. Indeed, by 7:00 AM, Riedesel had reached Hohenkirchen and Luckner was at Mariendorf, punctually in their appointed places. Luckner formed with the village of Mariendorf on his left and his right towards Hombresssen: his infantry in the first line, his cavalry in the second. The cannonade continued for another hour without any significant effect on Castries' disposition. However, the head of the Allied third, fourth and fifth columns appeared and Castries decided to retire. Castries quickly set his infantry in order for march; and having contrived to hold Sprcken at bay for an hour, began his retreat upon Wilhelmsthal and Kassel. The retreat was done in good order, covered by Alsace Infanterie, and Castries reformed his corps in the ravine of Grebenstein, throwing part of his infantry into this small town. Lckner came up as he had been bidden at Udenhausen, but meeting part of Sprcken's corps on its march in the wrong direction was fired upon by it. In the confusion, Castries was able to make his escape. Riedesel being weak in numbers could not stop him, though he fell furiously with Riedesel Hussars upon the rear-guard and cut FitzJames Cavalerie to pieces; but except for this loss Castries retired with little damage. Thus, as so often happens, failed the most important detail of Ferdinand's elaborate combinations. Meanwhile the French main army, startled out of its sleep by the sound of the guns about Hombressen, was in absolute confusion. Fortunately for Soubise and d'Estres, the unlucky mistake which had saved Castries, saved them also, since it checked Sprcken's advance against their right. D'Estres took command of the cavalry of his right wing and advanced to cover Castrie's retreat, while Soubise took dispositions for the centre and the left wing. During Ferdinand's slow advance against the French positions, Granby arrived by Drnberg, outflanking the French left. Soubise and d'Estres were not expecting the involvement of Granby's corps and its arrival made them panic. They broke up their camp with amazing rapidity, formed upon the heights and
hastened their baggage away towards Kassel under escort of 6 bns. Soubise then ordered the army to retire in 4 columns towards Kassel. This retreat had to be done very rapidly because Ferdinand's army was now deploying at the foot of the Langenberg between Meimbressen and Kelze while Granby was advancing by Ehrsten and Frstenwald. Lckner, awake to the miscarriage of the turning movement on the French right, now begged Kielmansegg, who commanded the left column of Sprcken's corps, to hasten with him to Hohenkirchen, from whence a cross way to westward would enable them to bar every road between Wilhelmsthal and Kassel. But Kielmansegg persisted in attacking the right flank of the French main body, despite the fact that it was covered by a brook running through a swampy valley; and before he could effect his passage over this obstacle, the opportunity for cutting off the French retreat was lost. Meanwhile the troops under Ferdinand in the centre advanced against the French front, though very slowly. Sprcken's right column formed up on their left, but being out of its right place hampered the advance of the rest and caused lamentable delay. The French main army, having cleared its baggage out of the way, was falling back in several columns towards Wilhelmsthal, when the appearance of Granby on their left showed them the full extent of their peril. Stainville's corps (Grenadiers de France, Aquitaine Infanterie, Poitou Infanterie, Waldner Infanterie, Eptingen Infanterie) posted in front of the left wing on the heights of Schachten along the stream of Westuffeln was in great danger of being cut form the rest of the French army. Stainville changed his front, deploying en potence in the wood between Meimbressen and Wilhelmsthal, to cover the retreat of the French columns at any cost. He threw Waldner Infanterie and Eptingen Infanterie against the Highlanders who were debouching from the woods near Wilhelmsthal, and drove them back. Meanwhile, back from the right wing, d'Estres took command of the Carabiniers and of the Cuirassiers du Roy on the left wing and advanced against Granby's cavalry who retired behind its infantry. Stainville's infantry then debouched from the wood and formed in front of d'Estres' cavalry which was deployed in 3 lines. A very long and stubborn combat began opposing Stainville's elite troops to Granby's British infantry which consisted of 3 battalions of British Guards, 3 converged battalions of British grenadiers, the 5th Foot and the 8th Foot - some of the finest troops in the British Army. Stainville charged with some initial success the head of Granby's columns before the whole of his troops had come up. Nicola Dragons captured a battery of 3 guns and 200 grenadiers. However, Aquitaine Infanterie and the Grenadiers entered into the wood of Frstenwald and
became separated from the other part of Stainville's infantry which had entered into the wood of Wilhelmsthal. However, Stainville was gradually forced back as more and more of the British battalions advanced into action. French and British came to close quarters, guns were taken and retaken. and for a time two British cannon remained in the hands of the French. Meanwhile, d'Estres sent the Duc de Duras with 1 infantry brigade (4 German battalions) to occupy the height of Wilhelmsthal. During this combat, Ferdinand's columns continued their advance and soon occupied the heights of Calle (probably Calden) in the rear of Stainville's corps while a detachment attacked the right of this corps. Granby had started to surround the wood of Frstenwald occupied by part of Stainville's corps on two sides and was making dispositions to surround it on all sides, when Ferdinand's troops at last came up on Stainville's rear. The joint attack of Granby's corps and Ferdinand's advanced units had reason of Stainville's infantry which broke and routed, suffering heavy losses. Stainville, even though partially surrounded, then managed to extirpate a few battalions of his corps from the trap, marching to Heckershausen and Whlershausen. During this time, the main French army came to contact with a few Allied units near Hohenkirchen. Soubise sent 4 battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs along with 1 dragoon rgt who contained them till the arrival of Castries at the head of his corps. The French cavalry retreated only once Soubise's infantry columns had marched a certain distance from its original camp. Then the cavalry of the right wing went to Hohenkirchen to support Castries and the cavalry of the left wing went to Mnchehof. Batteries were then planted to stop the Allies at the foot of these heights. The French army then retired to Kassel. Around 3:00 P.M., the Allied army advanced a little to the south of Wilhelmsthal and so the action came to an end.
Outcome
The losses of the French consisted essentially of Stainville's corps. From this corps 1,500 men were killed or wounded, and nearly 2,702 surrendered (the 5th Foot having captured a large body Grenadiers de France received the privilege of wearing French grenadiers' caps, which were modified later into the fusilier-caps, which they wear for over a century). Only 2 battalions from Stainville's corps made good their escape. The Allies also took 1 standard, 6 colours and 2 guns.
The losses of the Allies were small, reaching but 208 men killed (including 4 officers) and 273 men wounded (including 2 officers) and 315 men taken prisoners (including 4 officers). Of these losses, 450 belonged to Granby's corps. The result of the action was in fact a great disappointment, due partly to the mistakes of Sprcken and Kielmansegg, partly to the extreme slowness of Ferdinand's advance in the centre. The main body of the Allies indeed seems to have taken 5 hours to move from Grebenstein to Wilhelmsthal, a distance of about 7 km; and the fact would appear to indicate considerable clumsiness on the part of some officer or officers in the handling of their men. Still the fact remained that 40,000 men had attacked 70,000 and driven them back in confusion; and the French were not a little shamefaced and discouraged over their defeat.
Order of Battle
The order of battles of both armies have been quite difficult to reconstruct. For the French army, it has been reconstructed based primarily on Pajol's and Kessel's book (see the References section). For the Allied order of battle, we have used the information provided in Sichart and compiled by Nafziger (see the References section). After normalizing the enumeration of the various brigades, we reorganized this order of battle to correspond to the seven columns described by Jomini, Pajol and Mauvillon.

Commander-in-chief: general Ferdinand of Brunswick Main Allied army 1st column: British cavalry Lieutenant-general Mostyn's Division Major-general Pembroke's Brigade British 1st (The King's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards (3 sqns) under Colonel Bland British 3rd Regiment of Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) under Sir George Howard
Major-general Johnson's Brigade British 2nd (The Queen's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards (2 sqns) under Waldegrave British 1st Royal Dragoons (2 sqns) under Conway
British 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (2 sqns) Unidentified officer's Brigade British 4th Regiment of Horse, or The Black Horse (2 sqns) under Honeywood British 3rd Regiment of Horse (Carabiniers) (2 sqns)
Major-general Pelt's Brigade 2 unidentified mounted units (4 sqns) maybe the Lgion Britannique Dragoons
Lieutenant-general Howard's Division Unidentified officer's Brigade British 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons (2 sqns) British Scots Greys Dragoons (2 sqns)
Major-general Wolff's Brigade British 11th Ancram's Dragoons (2 sqns) British 7th Queen's Own Dragoons (2 sqns) under Mostyn
2nd column: British infantry (about 500 men per battalion) and artillery Lieutenant-general von Wissenbach Division Major-general Sandford's Brigade British 5th Hodgson's Foot (1 bn) British 24th Cornwallis' Foot (1 bn) British 37th Stuart's Foot British 12th Napier's Foot (1 bn)
Lieutenant-general Conway's Division Major-general Monpesson's Brigade British 11th Bocland's Foot (1 bn) British 33rd Griffin's Foot (1 bn) British 51st Brudenel's Foot (1 bn) British 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers (1 bn)
Lieutenant-general Waldegrave's Division Major-general Lord Cavendish's Brigade British 8th King's (1 bn) under Colonel Barrington British 25th Edinburgh (1 bn) under Colonel Erskine British 50th Carr's Foot (1 bn) British 20th Kingsley's Foot (1 bn)
British Royal Regiment of Artillery (12 x 6-pdr guns, 8 x 30-pdr howitzers and 12 x 12pdr guns)
3rd column: Brunswicker infantry (11 bns for a total of 6,442 men) under Prince Friedrich von Braunschweig Major-general von Rhetz's Brigade Brunswicker Leib-Regiment (2 bns) Brunswicker Imhoff (2 bns)
Major-general von Mansberg's Brigade Brunswicker Prinz Friedrich (2 bns) Brunswicker Mansberg (2 bns)
Major-general von Sommer's Brigade Brunswicker Appelboom Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) Brunswicker Imhoff Converged Grenadiers (1 bn) Brunswicker Warnstedt Converged Grenadiers (1 bn)
4th column: Heavy artillery under Major-general Braun Schaumburg-Lippe-Bckeburg (1 bn) escorting the artillery Hanoverian Artillery (8 x 30-pdr howitzers and 12 x 12-pdr guns)
5th column: Hessian infantry (about 460 men per battalion) and 16 sqns of the left wing under the Prince von Anhalt Lieutenant-general Prince von Anhalt's Division Major-general von Bischausen's Brigade Hessian Mansbach (2 bns) Hessian 2nd Garde (1 bn) Hessian 3rd Garde (1 bn)
Lieutenant-general von Gilsa's Division Major-general von Malsburg's Brigade Hessian von der Malsburg Infantry (2 bns) Hessian Fsilier-Regiment von Gilsa (2 bns)
Major-general von Wilcke's Brigade Hessian Bischhausen (2 bns) Hessian Prinz von Anhalt (2 bns) Hessian Wutginau (2 bns)
Cavalry units (16 sqns) Hessian Einsiedel Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Erbprinz Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Prinz Friedrich Dragoons (4 sqns) Hanoverian Estorff Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Alt Bremer Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Veltheim Dragoons (4 sqns)
6th column: Hanoverian infantry (12 bns) of under Sprcken Lieutenant-general Count Kielmansegg's Division Colonel von Rhoedern's Brigade
Hanoverian de la Motte (1 bn) Hanoverian de la Chevallerie (1 bn) Hanoverian Rhoedern (1 bn) Hanoverian Bock (1 bn)
Lieutenant-general von Scheiter's Division Major-general von Bock's Brigade Hanoverian Alt Zastrow (1 bn) might also be Jung Zastrow instead Hanoverian Hardenberg (1 bn) Hanoverian Foot Guards (2 bns)
Lieutenant-general von Zastrow's Division Colonel de la Chevallerie's Brigade Hanoverian Goldacker (1 bn) Hanoverian Plessen (1 bn) Hanoverian Schele (1 bn) Hanoverian Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn)
Hanoverian Artillery (12 x 6-pdr guns)
7th column: rest of the cavalry of the left wing Lieutenant-general von Hodenberg's Division Colonel von Behr's Brigade Hanoverian Alt Behr Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Hodenberg Cavalry (2 sqns)
Major-general von Wallmoden's Brigade Hanoverian Leib-Regiment Reuter (2 sqns) Hanoverian Garde du Corps (1 sqn) Hanoverian Grenadiers cheval (1 sqn)
screening force marching in front of the central columns Cavendish Chasseurs Freytag Jgers Riedesel Hussars (6 coys)
Granby's Corps forming the left wing towards Drnberg Lieutenant-general von Wangenheim's Division Lieutenant-colonel Beckwith's Brigade British 88th Campbell's Highlanders (1 bn) British 87th Keith's Highlanders (1 bn) British Welsh's converged grenadiers (1 bn)
British Maxwell's converged grenadiers (1 bn)
Colonel Pierson's Brigade II./1st Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) II./2nd Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) II./3rd Scots Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) British converged grenadiers of the Guards (1 bn)
Colonel von Ahlefeld's Brigade Hanoverian Ahlefeld (1 bn) Hanoverian Reden (1 bn) Hanoverian Wangenheim (1 bn)
Artillery Schaumburg-Lippe-Bckeburg Artillery serving 6 x 6-pdr Hanoverian guns 6 x 6-pdr British guns
Cavalry Division Colonel Harvey's Brigade British 15th Elliot's Light Horse (3 sqns) British Royal Horse Guards (3 sqns) aka the Blues
Prussian FH IV (Frei) Hussars von Bauer (5 sqns) Colonel von Veltheim's Brigade Hanoverian Alt Sprengel Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Veltheim Cavalry (2 sqns)
Luckner's Corps Colonel von Plessen's Brigade Hanoverian Schlepegrell converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Kauffman converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Bock converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Greven converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Schlemme converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Mutio converged grenadiers (1 bn)
Cavalry Brigade Hanoverian Luckner's Hussars (4 sqns) Hanoverian Walthausen Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian Husaren Corps (4 sqns)
Light troops Brunswicker Foot Jgers Speth Jgers covering the left flank at Hohenkirchen

Commanders-in-chief: Prince de Soubise assisted by the Comte d'Estres Right vanguard under the command of M. de Castries assisted by MM. de besenval, Wurmser, Thiars, Duc de Fronsac and Caulincourt infantry (12 bns) Auvergne Infanterie (4 bns) Alsace Infanterie (4 bns) Castellas Infanterie (2 bns) Salis de Mayenfeld Infanterie (2 bns)
cavalry (18 sqns) Royal-Picardie Cavalerie (4 sqns) Fitz-James Cavalerie (2 sqns) Dauphin Dragons (4 sqns) Orlans Dragons (4 sqns) Royal-Nassau Hussards (4 sqns)
light troops Volontaires de Soubise Volontaires de l'arme
Left vanguard under the command of M. de Stainville assisted by MM. de Lillebonne, Chevalier de Modne, de Rochambeau, de Montbarey infantry (12 bns) Poitou brigade Poitou Infanterie (2 bns) Aquitaine Infanterie (2 bns)
Grenadiers de France (4 bns) Grenadiers Royaux le Camus (1 bn) Grenadiers Royaux de Narbonne (1 bn) Grenadiers Royaux de l'Espinasse ? (1 bn) Grenadiers Royaux de la Roche-Lambert (1 bn)
cavalry (14 sqns) Choiseul Dragons (4 sqns)
Nicola Dragons (4 bns) Chamborant Hussards (6 sqns)
light troops Chasseurs de Monet (6 coys)
Main French army first line (29 bns 16 sqns) infantry right flank Diesbach (2 bns) Boccard (2 bns)
infantry centre Picardie (4 bns) Tournaisis (1 bn) Chastelux ? (4 bns) Touraine (2 bns) Provence (2 bns) Du Roi (4 bns) Champagne (4 bns)
infantry left flank (soon join Stainville's corps) Waldner Infanterie (2 bns) Eptingen Infanterie (2 bns)
cavalry Colonel Gnral (4 sqns) Royal-Normandie (4 sqns) Dauphin (4 sqns) Cuirassiers du Roy (4 sqns)
second line (18 bns, 16 sqns) infantry centre Navarre (4 bns) Lyonnais (2 bns) Bretagne (2 bns) Nassau Prince Louis (3 bns) La Marck (3 bns) Bourbonnais (4 bns)
cavalry Royal-Cravate (4 sqns)
Artois (4 sqns) Bourbon (4 sqns) Royal-Roussillon (4 sqns)
Corps des Carabiniers under the Marquis de Poyanne Carabiniers (10 sqns)
light troops Bercheny Hussards (3 sqns) 3 other squadrons detached towards Halberstadt Volontaires d'Austrasie Volontaires de Flandre Volontaires de Wurmser Volontaires de Saint-Victor
Artillery Corps Royal de l'Artillerie (3 bns) Corps du Gnie (5 bns)
unidentified militia units
References
This article incorporates texts from the following book which are now in the public domain: Carlyle T.; History of Friedrich II of Prussia vol. 20 Fortescue J. W.; A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899, pp. 549-552 Jomini, Henri; Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 4me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, pp. 165-170 Mauvillon, I.; Geschichte Ferdinands Herzogs von Braunschweig-Lneburg, Part 2, Leipzig: 1794, pp. 227-235 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 352-357 Sichart, L. v.: Geschichte der Koniglich Hannoverschen Armee, Hanover, l870
Other sources Kessel, Eberhard: Das Ende des Siebenjhrigen Krieges 1760-1763, Paderborn: Schningh, 2007, pp. 837-842, 999-1002 Nafziger Collection of Orders of Battle
1762-07-23 - Combat of Lutterberg (2nd)

Allied victory
Introduction
During the campaign of 1762 in West Germany, after their defeat at the battle of Wilhelmsthal on June 24, the French generals Soubise and d'Estres retired behind the Fulda the following night. They left a single division to occupy the entrenched camp of Kratzenberg in front of Kassel. The two French generals then adopted a defensive stance. For his part, Ferdinand of Brunswick hesitated to exploit his recent success by extending his operations to the Main. Indeed, his communications with his left wing was seriously threatened by the French occupation of Gttingen. He then resolved to closely followed the French army of the Upper Rhine and to take advantage of any of its mistake to attack it. Soubise and d'Estres, for their part. now relied on the eventual success of the operations of the Prince de Cond against the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick on the Lower Rhine. Meanwhile, they recalled Prince Xavier who joined them at Lutterberg with the Saxon contingent to guard the passage of the Fulda. On July 21, observing that the corps of Prince Xavier was over extended between Lutterberg and Mnden, Ferdinand resolved to attack it. In the night of July 22 to, Ferdinand detached Zastrow's, Gilsa's, Bock's divisions along with Waldhausen's corps to execute this project. In the evening, the various Allied corps assigned to the attack on Prince Xavier's corps assembled at Wilhelmsthal. At 9:00 PM, they departed from this town to reach, during the night, the places where they were supposed to passed the Fulda.
Allied plan of attack

The Allied divisions detached from the main army would pass the Fulda at various locations to converge on Lutterberg: Gilsa at Speele Bock at Spiegelhtte Zastrow at Wilhelmshausen Waldhausen at Bonaforth.
Meanwhile, Colonel Schlieffen, who had marched from Uslar with another column, would pass by Hedemnden on the Werra to fall on the rear of the Saxon contingent.
Map
DigAM proposes the following map of the combat of Lutterberg: DigAM - document 5330
Prince Xavier had his headquarters at Lutterberg. Two Saxon infantry brigades were deployed behind Landwehrhagen. The Saxon cavalry was in camp at Lutterberg and the the six heavy
artillery pieces attached to the contingent were at Sandershausen, 9 km south-westwards. The third Saxon infantry brigade manned the entrenchments protecting the fords over the Fulda. Most of these entrenchments were located on the steep banks of the river in wooded areas. Half of the Prinz Gotha Infantry manned the entrenchments in front of Speele, the second half being kept in support along with the Leibgrenadiergarde and the II./Feld-Grenadier. The I./FeldGrenadier occupied the village of Speele. Furthermore,Kurprinzessin Infantry was posted on the heights between Speele and Wilhelmshausen with outposts along the Fulda. The ford at Bonaforth was only guarded by picquets. The only available French cavalry brigade (Royal-Roussillon) had taken position at Landwehrhagen but it had received orders to march to Sandershausen. Finally, there were 4 French grenadier battalions posted at Mnden under the command of M. de Rochechouart, and Chabot's corps was at Witzenhausen on the Werra.
On July 23 at 2:00 AM, Schlieffen passed the Werra at Hedemnden, meeting only minor resistance. However, he was intercepted on his march by Chabot's corps who forced him to retire temporarily. This seriously impeded Schlieffen's advance. At 3:00 AM, the other Allied divisions started to pass the Fulda at their assigned positions. General Gilsa remained at Wahnhausen on the right bank of the Fulda with part of his division to cover an eventual retreat. Entrenchments built in front of the fords of the Fulda were guarded by Saxons grenadiers who, for two hours, opposed with great courage the passage of the river. Despite a heavy artillery fire directed against these entrenchments, Gilsa's Division was unable to drive the Saxons out of their position at Speele. Meanwhile, Walthausen was more successful at the ford of Bonaforth where he was opposed by only 100 Saxon grenadiers. He first sent 100 grenadiers and 30 hussars across the river and closely supported them with Schlemme converged grenadiers battalion. The Saxon detachment was soon driven out of its entrenchments but was able to retire unmolested. Finally, Bischhausen Infantry managed to pass the Fulda at Wahnhausen. Prince Xavier, realizing that Walthausen was now threatening his right flank and that Gilsa had gained a bridgehead, resolved to retire his advanced brigade towards the heights behind Landwehrhagen where his two other brigades stood. Meanwhile, Zastrow's division had passed the Fulda at Wilhelmshausen under cover of two battalion guns, Schele Infantry in the lead. After its passage, this battalion climbed the heights and drove back the Saxon grenadiers defending this sector. The other battalions of Zastrow's
division immediately passed the river. Despite a stubborn resistance of the Saxons, they were gradually driven back and forced to take refuge in the woods. Zastrow then advanced on Lutterberg. His battalion guns had been left behind on the Spiegelhtte. Bock's divisions had also met strong resistance until the arrival of Zastrow's on the flank of the defenders who immediately retired, allowing Bock to make himself master of the entrenchments and to capture 5 guns. General Walthausen left 3 grenadier battalions at Bonaforth with instruction to advance against Mnden to prevent the intervention of the French brigade posted there. He then marched with Schlemme converged grenadiers battalion and all his cavalry against the heights of Lutterberg. All Allied divisions facing the Fulda had by then passed the river and were converging on Lutterberg, traversing the formed Saxon camp on their way and making several prisoners. Walthausen's division was the first to reach Lutterberg where it engaged the Saxon Leibwache zu Pferde. Walthausen deployed the Schlemme converged grenadiers along the outskirts of the woods and then hurled his cavalry (8 sqns) against the Saxon cavalry (4 sqns). The Saxon resisted the two first charges but were broken on the third one, routing towards Landwehrhagen. At this moment, after much delays, Schlieffen's force finally arrived on the field in the rear of the Saxon cavalry, making several prisoners. The Allies then redirected their march towards Landwehrhagen but Prinz Xaver Infantrybravely covered the retreat of the Saxon grenadiers to the heights behind Landwehrhagen where they rejoined the main body of the Saxon contingent. The engagement ended around 7:30 AM. By then French reinforcements were pouring from Mnden, Kratzenberg, and Crumbach. M. de Rochechouart advancing from Mnden with his grenadiers even recaptured Bonaforth. The Allies repassed the Fulda at Spiegelhtte while Zastrow with Goldacker Infantry,SachsenGotha Infantry and Plessen Infantry covered the retreat. During the entire engagement, Prince Friedrich of Brunswick at the head of 5,800 men had made demonstrations against the French entrenched camp of Kratzenberg near Kassel to prevent any intervention of this French force.
Outcome
In this action, the Saxon contingent lost 13 guns, 5 colours, 3 standards and 1,344 men: 5 officers and 181 soldiers killed 15 officers and 193 soldiers wounded 41 officers and 911 men taken prisoners
124 horses killed
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: Lieutenant-general von Gilsa Summary: 11,500 men Lieutenant-general von Gilsa's Division (assisted by Ferdinand's adjutant, Colonel von Bauer) Major-general von Wilcke's Brigade (2,360 men) Hessian Bischhausen (2 bns) Hessian Prinz von Anhalt (2 bns) Hessian Wutginau (2 bns)
Hanoverian Artillery 3 x 12-pdr guns 3 x 6-pdr guns 4 x howitzers
Lieutenant-general von Bock's Brigade (2,628 foot, 272 horse) Hanoverian Goldacker (1 bn) Hessian Prinz Carl (2 bns) Hessian Erbprinz (2 bns) Hanoverian Hodenberg Cavalry (1 sqn) Hanoverian Alt Behr Cavalry (1 sqns)
Lieutenant-general von Zastrow's Brigade (1,998 men) Hanoverian Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn) Hanoverian Plessen (1 bn) Hanoverian Schele (1 bn)
Major-general von Walthausen's Division (1,800 foot, 1,000 horse) Colonel von Plessen's Brigade Hanoverian Schlepegrell converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Kauffman converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Mutio converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Schlemme converged grenadiers (1 bn)
Lieutenant-colonel von Winnigerode Hanoverian Veltheim Dragoons (3 sqns) Hanoverian Walthausen Dragoons (3 sqns) Hanoverian Luckner's Hussars (2 sqns)
Cavalry protecting the flank at Winterbhren Hanoverian Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Hanoverian Hodenberg Cavalry (1 sqn) Hanoverian Alt Behr Cavalry (1 sqn)
Schlieffen's Brigade (800 foot, 650 horse) Hanoverian Greven converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hanoverian Bock converged grenadiers (1 bn) Hessian Husaren Corps (4 sqns) Hanoverian Veltheim Dragoons (1 sqn) Hanoverian Walthausen Dragoons (1 sqn)
Lieutenant-colonel Rauen's detachment Brunswicker Volontaires auxiliaires Brunswicker Hoym Jgers

Commanders-in-chief: Prince Xavier Saxon contingent (15 bns) since the reorganisation of 1761, each regiment counted a single battalion) Leibgrenadiergarde (1 bn) Feld-Grenadier (2 bn) Converged grenadier battalions Kurprinzessin (1 bn) Prinz Friedrich August (1 bn) Prinz Xaver (1 bn) Garde (1 bn) Prinz Maximilian (1 bn) Prinz Joseph (1 bn) Prinz Anton (1 bn) Vacant Rochow (1 bn) Prinz Clemenz (1 bn) Graf Brhl (1 bn) Frst Lubomirsky (1 bn) Prinz Sachsen-Gotha (1 bn) Leibwache zu Pferde (4 sqns totalling 304 men) aka Schlieben Carabiniers added to the contingent in 1761 French cavalry (4 sqns) at Landwehrhagen
Royal-Roussillon (4 sqns)
French brigade at Mnden under the command of M. de Rochechouart unidentified grenadier units (4 bns)
Chabot's corps at Witzenhausen Autichamp Dragons (4 sqns) Volontaires de Flandre Volontaires du Hainaut
References
This article incorporates texts from the following book which are now in the public domain: Jomini, Henri; Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 4me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, pp. 173-174 Mauvillon, I.; Geschichte Ferdinands Herzogs von Braunschweig-Lneburg, Part 2, Leipzig: 1794, pp. 238-240 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 375, 389-392 Sichart, L. v.: Geschichte der Koniglich Hannoverschen Armee, Hanover, l870 (reproduced in the Nafziger collection: order of battles 762GAA) Other sources Kessel, Eberhard: Das Ende des Siebenjhrigen Krieges 1760-1763, Paderborn: Schningh, 2007, pp. 857-863 Nafziger Collection of Orders of Battle
1762-08-30 - Combat of Nauheim

French victory
Introduction
During the campaign of 1762 in West Germany, after their defeat at the battle of Wilhelmsthal on June 24, the French generals Soubise and d'Estres retired behind the Fulda the following night, leaving a single division to occupy the entrenched camp of Kratzenberg in front of Kassel. The two French generals then adopted a defensive stance. In the second half of August, the French generals resolved to recall the Prince de Cond from the Lower Rhine with the greatest part of his army. After the junction of the two armies, Soubise
and d'Estres planned to advance once more in Hesse. During the last weeks of August, Ferdinand of Brunswick tried to prevent this junction. On August 29, this junction was almost completed. Ferdinand marched to Nidda with the main Allied army to make a junction with the Hereditary Prince of Brunswick, still hoping to prevent the junction of the two French armies. The same day, judging his position on the Johannisberg too isolated, Cond had retired to the heights of Bommersheim (unidentified location) near Homburg (present-day Bad Homburg).
Plan of attack
The two French armies were trying to complete their junctions. To do so, Soubise and d'Estres planned to advance on Friedberg and to encamp there, thus threatening the Allied right flank. They also instructed Cond to return to his former camp on the Johannisberg. Ferdinand's goal was to drive a wedge between these two armies to prevent their junction. The French having abandoned the Johannisberg, he wanted to occupy these heights which were ideally located for his purpose.
Map
DigAM proposes the following map of the combat of Nauheim:- document 5370 (3 different sketches illustrating the various phase of the engagement)
Stainville was screening the French Army of the Upper Rhine with his vanguard along the Nidda from Staden to Assenheim. Guerchy was not far behind with a strong corps (18 bns, 6 sqns, the Carabiniers and 2 brigades of artillery). A watchtower dominated the Johannisberg whose northern and north-eastern slopes were quite steep and south-western slope gently sloping.
On August 30 in the morning, Cond left Bommersheim as ordered to encamp at Ober-Rosbach (more probably Rosbach vor der Hhe) with his vanguard on the Johannisberg. At 5:00 AM, Luckner marched from Bingenheim towards Dorheim with his corps. He planned to pass the Wetter there and to advance on Friedberg.
At about 6:30 AM, Cond's vanguard under M. de Lvis reached the Johannisberg. He deployed his infantry on the heights, facing east with woods protecting his two flanks, supported by his dragoons, and sent his light troops towards Nauheim and Friedberg. Cond, closely following his vanguard, soon reached Ober-Rosbach and deployed behind the Strassbach stream. At 8:00 AM, the Hereditary Prince marched out of his camp at Wlfersheim in 3 columns, advancing on Assenheim. The rightmost column, under Hardenberg, marched by Melbach and Beienheim; the center column, under Schele, by Weckesheim; the left most column, under Oheimb, towards Dorn-Assenheim. Meanwhile, Lieutenant-colonel Jeanneret was detached towards Wickstadt with 5 hussar squadrons to threaten Assenheim. Allied troops could be seen advancing along the Wetter. Soubise and d'Estres ordered Stainville to speed up his advance and to place himself under the command of the Prince de Cond whose main body was still too distant from Lvis' vanguard to support it effectively. Meanwhile, the Hereditary Prince personally visited Luckner and observed his manoeuvres. Luckner's vanguard had already came to contact with French light troops near Dorheim. Realising that Luckner could not drive back the superior force facing him, the Hereditary Prince changed his plan and redirected his rightmost column (Hardenberg's), who had already reached Beienheim, to support Luckner at Dorheim. This reorganisation of his lines were under way when the Hereditary Prince was informed that a French force had occupied the Johannisberg, thus increasing the menace against his right flank. Leaving 4 battalions (Hessian Leib Regiment and Prinz Carl) to Luckner at Dorheim, the Hereditary Prince immediately marched towards Wisselsheim at the head of Hardenberg's column and of the heavy artillery under Schele. Baggage were left at Weckesheim and the rest of Schele's column (6 Hessian grenadier battalions), under command of Major-general von Dittfurt, resumed its march towards Assenheim to support Jeanneret's detachment. Finally, the Hereditary Prince instructed Lieutenant-general Oheimb to immediately send Mller Dragoons as reinforcements to Luckner; to detach a further 8 squadrons (including the LeibDragonerand Jung Bremer Cavalry) to reinforce Jeanneret; and to support Luckner's attack on Dorheim with the rest of his corps. Around 9:00 AM, despite the fact that the French had already broken the bridges on the Wetter, Luckner's Hussars managed to pass the river at Dorheim. They came to contact with advanced elements of Lvis' vanguard, mainly detachments of the Dragons Chasseurs de Conflans, and drove them back as they advanced on Friedberg. However, other light troops belonging to Lvis' vanguard (Volontaires du Dauphin, Dragons de Wurmser) were occupying Friedberg and they firmly received the attack of Luckner's Hussars and repulsed them.
During these skirmishes around Friedberg, Luckner and Oheimb had passed the Wetter and taken positions on the heights between Dorheim and Friedberg. Meanwhile, the Hereditary Prince had reached Wisselsheim and planted his heavy artillery on a height between the Wetter and the Usa. His artillery then opened on the Johannisberg, covering the passage of the Wetter by the Allied troops. Around 11:00 AM, the Hereditary Prince personally led the Hanoverian infantry (Kielmannsegg, Estorff, Craushaar, Meding and Linsingen) across the river while Schele did the same on his left at the head of Block Infantry, Prinz Karl von Mecklenburg-Strelitz Infantry and Erbprinz Infantry. By 11:00 AM, the Prince de Cond had been informed of the movement of the Hereditary Prince. He immediately marched to support his vanguard. After the crossing, Block Infantry launched two assaults on Nauheim (present-day Bad Nauheim) before finally dislodging the defending French troops. The regiment then rejoined the other Allied battalions preparing for an attack against the Johannisberg. The Allied infantry then started to climb the steep slope of the Johannisberg. During this time, Luckner's corps (including the recent reinforcements) had marched from the heights near Friedberg to Niedermrlen on Lvis' left flank. Lvis' grenadiers (Grenadiers Royaux de Cambis, Grenadiers Royaux d'Ally) stubbornly defended their positions. Meanwhile, Luckner with 7 squadrons also attacked Chapt Dragons and Flamarens Dragons. After a lively combat lasting two hours, where MM. de Wurmser, de Conflans and de Viomesnil distinguished themselves, the Johannisberg was taken by the Allies. Around 12:30 PM, while marching towards the Johannisberg, Cond was reinforced by 5 grenadier battalions who were part of Stainville's vanguard of the Army of the Upper Rhine. The heads of Cond's columns debouched on the Johannisberg as Lvis' vanguard was evacuating its positions and the Hereditary Prince was forming his troops in his newly conquered positions. The Allies had just enough time to bring up a single regimental gun on the hill. Cond advanced with the head of his own column against the right wing of the Allied army which was under the command of Luckner. Meanwhile, Stainville advanced through the woods against the Allied left wing with his own grenadiers. During the ensuing combat, the French were continuously reinforced. Soubise personally joined the corps under the command of the Prince de Cond and d'Estres, after occupying Friedberg, personally joined Stainville's grenadiers.
The Boisgelin infantry brigade, under the command of M. de la Guiche but personally led on this occasion by Soubise, along with the Grenadiers Royaux de Narbonne, theGrenadiers Royaux de le Camus, the Grenadiers Royaux du Plessis d'Argentr, theGrenadiers Royaux de la Roche-Lambert, the Grenadiers Royaux de l'Espinasse, theGrenadiers Royaux d'Ally, and the Grenadiers Royaux de Cambis to their right all advanced against the Allied line without firing a shot, closely supported by theGrenadiers de France. Cond used his mounted troops to extend his left wing. During this time, Choiseul Dragons, Nicola Dragons and Schomberg Dragons had reached the heights of the Johannisberg and soon reinforced the French left wing. Now, a total of 20 dragoon squadrons were facing Luckner who could oppose them only 7 squadrons. Furthermore, Cond's heavy cavalry (Gendarmerie and Berry Cavalerie) was deployed in the second line behind the French dragoons. Thus, the French mounted units gradually outflanked the right wing of the Allies. The Allies were driven out of the woods that they occupied and routed. The Hereditary Prince was lightly wounded while trying to rally Meding Infantry. Despite the efforts of the Hereditary Prince, his infantry retired precipitously towards the plain where Luckner's 7 squadrons had already redeployed near Niedermrlen. The Prince de Cond launched his cavalry against the routing Allied infantry, threatening to decimate it. Oheimb, leaving the Brunswick Carabiniers to guard the artillery, joined Luckner's squadrons with 3 squadrons of Mller Dragoons and, together, they came to the rescue of Allied infantry but were driven back. The Allied cavalry rallied behind a ravine and rapidly advanced again. Cond's cavalry (Berry cavalry brigade and the Gendarmerie) then launched a second charge and, after an obstinate combat, drove back the Allied cavalry. The Dragons Chasseurs de Conflans captured a standard of a Hanoverian cavalry regiment. This cavalry engagement allowed the Allied infantry to retire to the ravine formed by the Wetter. While reforming his infantry, the Hereditary Prince was wounded my a musket ball. Finally, the Hereditary Prince was forced to retire and to repass the Wetter. Dittfurt and Jeanneret also stopped their advance on Assenheim and retired. By 2:00 PM, the engagement was finished.
Outcome
The Hereditary Prince was repulsed with considerable loss (70 soldiers and 2 officers killed, 347 soldiers and 19 officers wounded, 926 soldiers and 30 officers taken prisoners, 2 standards and 10 guns). The French lost about 750 men killed or wounded. In the evening, as soon as Ferdinand was informed of this setback, he detached his second line on Bingenheim and Staden to prevent the French from exploiting their success.
Order of Battle

Luckner's Corps
Commander-in-chief: Lieutenant-general Luckner Hanoverian Luckner's Hussars (4 sqns) British 15th Eliot's Light Horse (3 sqns) Hanoverian Alt Bremer Cavalry (2 sqns) Hanoverian Estorff Cavalry (2 sqns) unidentified jger units (4 bns)
Hereditary Prince's Corps

Commander-in-chief: Hereditary Prince of Brunswick Lieutenant-general von Hardenberg's column (13 bns) Hanoverian Block (l bn) Hanoverian Kielmannsegg (l bn) Hanoverian Prinz Karl von Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1 bn) Hanoverian Estorff (l bn) Hanoverian Craushaar (l bn) Hanoverian Meding (l bn) Hanoverian Linsingen (l bn) Hessian Leib Regiment (2 bns) Hessian Erbprinz (2 bns) Hessian Prinz Carl (2 bns)
Lieutenant-general von Schele's column (6 bns) Major-general von Dittfurt's grenadier brigade Hessian 10/12 Gosen Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hessian 2/4 Knoblauch Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hessian 5/8 Schmidt Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hessian 1/6 Biesenroth Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hessian 7/11 Bose Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn) Hessian 3/6 Lossberg Converged Grenadier Battalion (1 bn)
unidentified heavy artillery units baggage
Lieutenant-general Oheimb's column (17 sqns) Hanoverian Mller Dragoons (4 sqns) Hessian Leib-Dragoner (4 sqns) Hanoverian Jung Bremer Cavalry (2 sqns)
Hessian Wolff Cavalry (2 sqns) Hessian Gens d'Armes (2 sqns) Brunswicker Carabiniers (3 sqns)
Lieutenant-colonel Jeanneret's detachment (5 sqns) Prussian Ruesch Hussars (3 sqns) Prussian Malachowski Hussars (2 sqns)

Reserve of the Lower Rhine
Commanders-in-chief: Prince de Cond Avant Garde under Lieutenant-general de Lvis Grenadiers Royaux d'Ally Grenadiers Royaux de Cambis Dragons Chasseurs de Conflans Volontaires du Dauphin Volontaires de Wurmser Chapt Dragons Flamarens Dragons
Main body (only the leading elements are listed because they were the only ones involved) Boisgelin (4 bns) Gendarmerie de France (8 sqns) Berry Cavalerie (4 sqns)
Stainville's vanguard
N.B.: this vanguard was the only part of the Army of the Upper Rhine involved in the engagement Commander-in-chief: Stainville Grenadiers Royaux de Narbonne (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de le Camus (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux du Plessis d'Argentr (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de la Roche-Lambert (2 bns) Grenadiers Royaux de l'Espinasse (2 bns) Grenadiers de France (4 bns) Choiseul Dragons (4 sqns) Nicola Dragons (4 sqns) Schomberg Dragons (4 sqns)
References
This article incorporates texts from the following book which are now in the public domain: Jomini, Henri; Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 4me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, pp. 182-183 Mauvillon, I.; Geschichte Ferdinands Herzogs von Braunschweig-Lneburg, Part 2, Leipzig: 1794, pp. 245-249 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 421-426
Other sources Kessel, Eberhard: Das Ende des Siebenjhrigen Krieges 1760-1763, Paderborn: Schningh, 2007, pp. 886-891
1762-09-21 - Combat of Amneburg

Draw

During the campaign of 1762 in West Germany, The French army lost Hesse at the end of June after their defeat at Wilhelmsthal. In the last days of August, Soubise's army finally made a junction with Cond. The united French armies now vastly outnumbered the Allied army of Ferdinand of Brunswick. In September, the Allied and French armies both marched towards Kassel. Ferdinand trying to stop the French advance because he planned to besiege and recapture Kassel.
Picture of the Brcker Mhle as seen from the east (Allied side). The wall in the foreground is a later addition. On the left in the distance we also see the town and castle of Amneburg on top of a hill. Source: Picture taken by jws during a visit of the battlefield in 2011
Ferdinand finally managed to stop the French, taking position on the eastern (right) bank of the Ohm and securing every pass of it. Amneburg was located at the extreme left of Ferdinand's positions who had neglected to solidly occupy the bridge leading to Amneburg and the mill (the Brcker Mhle) besides this bridge. The castle of Amneburg, though isolated on the western (left) bank, was a very strong defensive position. The garrison of the castle of Amneburg consisted of a single battalion of irregulars. There had been some attempt to secure the bridge itself, and an old redoubt built the year before had been occupied on Ferdinand's side of the river for its defence but the breastwork was not above one meter high and one meter thick, so that it could be commanded by an enemy's fire, and the more easily since the western or French bank of the river was the higher. An outpost in the court of the mill was occupied by only 13 men. The fortress of Amneburg was an advanced post over against the French left wing and on the enemy's side of the river and the possession of the bridge was of vital importance to the Allies. This bridge not only ensured communication with that advanced post but barred the advance of the French across the Ohm and secured to Ferdinand the means of taking the offensive. The carelessness which allowed these points to remain so slenderly guarded is therefore almost inexplicable. The French commanders, judging that the positions of their right wing of the left bank of the Ohm would be threatened as long as the Allies occupied the castle of Amneburg, resolved to capture this castle.
Map
Map of the Combat of Amneburg - Source: picture taken by jws at the museum of the battlefield Black symbols indicate Allied units, hollowed symbols French units M : Brcker Mhle W : Brcker Tavern Z : Brick shed 1 : Allied redoubt to the north-east of the bridge 2 : 2 Hessian howitzers which were cannonnaded by the French batteries 3 : 6 Hessian 12-pdrs arriving from the camp of Stausebach near Kirchhain around 8:00 AM 4 : 6 Bckeburger 6-pdrs which were reinforced by 6 Hanoverian 12-pdrs around 5:00 PM 5 : 6 Hessian 12-pdrs planted there around 3:00 PM 6 : Allied infantry units 7 : Allied cavalry units 8 : Allied garrison of the castle of Amneburg
A : French entrenchments a : French infantry who attacked the Allied redoubt and were reinforced from time to time
B : French batteries who bombarded the castle of Amneburg C : French batteries on the eastern side of Amneburg D : Positions of the French army d: Positions of the French units supporting the troops attacking the Allied redoubt
Furthermore DigAM proposes the following maps of the combat of Amneburg:
DigAM - document 5374 DigAM - document 5375 DigAM - document 5376
The valley of the Ohm, south-eastward from Kirchhain, is about 1 km broad, rising gradually on the east bank of the river to a height called the Galgenberg, and on the western bank to a steep basaltic hill crowned by the castle of Amneburg. The Ohm itself between these hills is from 6 to 9 meters wide and from 1,5 to 2 meters deep, flowing between steep banks. Just to the south of Amneburg was a stone bridge by which stood a water-mill (the Brcker Mhle), consisting of a massive court with a group of houses. The steep sides of the hill on which stood Amneburg frown close to it on the northern hand. To westward the ground rises in a gentle slope, through which a hollow road, covered by an old redoubt, ran down to the mill. The town and castle of
Amneburg itself was surrounded with a wall and towers strong enough, on the south and south-western sides, to defy all but heavy artillery.
Picture of the Brcker Mhle as seen from the west (French side). The left and right buildings were later addition. On the left we also see the bridge. Source: Picture taken by jws during a visit of the battlefield in 2011
Picture of the bridge as seen from the west (French side). Metal rails and transformation tower are modern additions. Source: Picture taken by jws during a visit of the battlefield in 2011
Picture of the bridge as seen from the east (Allied side). Metal rails and buildings in the background are modern additions. Source: Picture taken by jws during a visit of the battlefield in 2011
On the night of September 20, the French invested the castle of the Amneburg so closely that not a man of the garrison could pass through their lines. Two batteries of heavy artillery were planted on the south side of the castle. Meanwhile M. de Castries, at the head of light troops, drove back the 13 men defending the Brcker Mhle and occupied the court of the mill. This done, thinking that the Allies would surely make an attempt to relieve the garrison of Amneburg, Castries prepared to block their advance. On September 21 at 6:00 AM, under cover of a dense mist, the French opened a heavy fire on the castle as well as on the bridge and redoubt. The men in that redoubt, 200 Hanoverians, resisted stoutly, in order to gain time for their supports to come up and for their artillery on the Galgenberg to answer the French batteries. The corps in occupation of the ground immediately before the Brcker Mhle was Lieutenant-general Zastrow's of 7 battalions, 11 squadrons and 6 guns; while Wangenheim's corps of about the same strength lay on his left, and Granby's (3 battalions of British Guards, 3 battalions of British grenadiers, 2 of Highlanders, the Blues, and 1st Dragoon Guards) on the heights of Kirchhain to his right. By 8:00 AM, the French had brought forward more guns behind the veil of the mist; and 30 pieces of cannon were now playing furiously upon the redoubt, while small parties of infantry under cover of the fire renewed their attack on the bridge. Zastrow continued to feed the redoubt with fresh troops, and so held his ground. Meanwhile, the Volontaires du Hainaut, under the command of M. de Grandmaison, maintained their positions at the western entry of the bridge. At about the same time, Ferdinand, who was still at Schnstadt, was informed of the French attack by Adjutant Schlieffen. At 8:30 AM, Ferdinand informed Schlieffen that half of Granby's reserve, along with all his 12pdrs and howitzers, had been ordered to march to Zastrow's support; and that he was personally coming to the scene of the engagement. Thinking that the French were attempting to cross the Ohm at the Brcker Mhle, Ferdinand also ordered to Zastrow to hold his position at all cost. At 8:45 AM from Schnstadt, Ferdinand issued the following orders: half the Hanoverian artillery park would pass the Wohra and support Granby Prince Anhalt, with Bischhausen's brigade, Chevallerie's brigade, Riedesel Cavalry, Erbprinz Cavalry, under General Wolf, and Hessian 6-pdrs would march from Wissenbach to Stausebach where he would pass the Wohra and support Granby
General Rhetz would replace Prince Anhalt at Wissenbach where he would relay Pool's brigade
half the British artillery park would then march with Pool's brigade British 1st Royal Dragoons aka Conway (2 sqns), 10th Mordaunt's Dragoons (2 sqns) and 6th Inniskilling Dragoons (2 sqns) under Colonel Johnson would take position on the heights behind Kirchhain and await further orders
troops posted on the heights between the Wetter and Rosphe rivers (Sandford's brigade (4 bns), 3rd Dragoon Guards (2 sqns), 2nd Regiment of Horse (2 sqns), 3rd Horse aka Carabiniers (2 sqns), 4th Horse (2 sqns), along with half the British heavy artillery and 12 6pdrs, would march in line
By 10:00 AM, Allied commanders finally realised the full significance of the attack when the mist rolled away. It was now clear, observing the French dispositions that they were bent upon carrying the bridge at any cost. Then at last Ferdinand ordered up Granby's corps from Kirchhain to Zastrow's assistance. Meanwhile the fight waxed hotter. The battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs of Alsace Infanterie, Waldner Infanterie,d'Arbonnier Infanterie, Lochmann Infanterie under M. de Schwengsfeld; and the entire brigade of Vaubcourt Infanterie led by Castries; came to the assistance of theVolontaires du Hainaut to prevent the passage of the bridge. By noon, the superiority of the French in artillery had made itself felt: 9 out of 12 of Zastrow's guns were dismounted and the rest were silent for want of ammunition. From 2:00 PM, the intensity of the French artillery fire diminished and 5 French battalions tried to storm the breached western wall of the castle of Amneburg but the two initial assaults were repulsed. At length at 4:00 PM, the British Guards and the Highlanders arrived in the area of the Brcker Mhle, and 12 German field-pieces attached to Granby's corps came also into action. The French likewise brought up reinforcements and the combat became livelier than ever. So far the hourly reliefs for the garrison in the redoubt had marched down in regular order, but the fire of the French artillery was now so terrible that the men were ordered to creep down singly and dispersed, as best they could. British Guards replaced Hanoverians, and Hessians replaced British Guards; regiment after regiment taking its turn to send men to certain destruction. Surprisingly, during this artillery duel, the French made no massive attempt to cross the bridge. The artillery duel wore on till the dusk lowered down and the flashes of the guns turned from yellow to orange and from orange to red. The Hessians piled up the corpses of the dead into a rampart and fired on, for the redoubt though untenable must be held at any cost. At 7:00 PM, the French by a desperate effort carried the passage of the bridge and fought their way close up to the redoubt, but they were met by the same dogged resistance and repulsed.
At 8:00 PM, after 14 hours of severe fighting, the French finally abandoned their attempt at gaining a bridgehead on the right bank of the Ohm. Zastrow's and Granbys corps bivouacked about the bridge, and Ferdinand took up his quarters in the Brcker Mhle. The French then returned their attention to the castle of Amneburg where a 40 m. wide breach had been made in the wall. At 11:00 PM, a third attack was launched. Combat lasted till 1:00 AM on September 22 when the defenders of the castle finally surrendered because of lack of ammunition. The Allied garrison lost 25 killed and 17 wounded and was allowed, in the morning, to leave the castle with the honours of war and to rejoin the Allied army.
Outcome
Curiously this action is usually considered as an Allied victory. However, the French plan was to capture the castle of Amneburg which they successfully accomplished. The artillery duel at the bridge and the deployment of French troops on the western bank of the Ohm was intended to cover the attack on Amneburg and to prevent the crossing of an Allied relief force. This explains why the French never launched any massive attack against the bridge but contented themselves to cannonade the Allied positions at the Brcker Mhle. In fact, each army expected its opponent to force the passage of the Ohm by the bridge of the Brcker Mhle. Therefore, each of them claimed victory: the French because they had captured the castle of Amneburg and prevented the Allies to cross the Ohm; the latter because they thought that they had defeated a French attempt to cross the same river... For these reasons, it could be argued that this combat was a draw. The loss of the Allies in this action was 12 officeds killed, 22 others wounded; 8 NCOs killed, 32 others wounded; 150 men killed, 502 others wounded and another 19 missing; for a total of 745 killed and wounded, more than a third of whom were British; the 3rd Scots Regiment of Foot Guards suffering more heavily than any corps of the troops engaged. They also lost 19 horses and 4 guns. The loss of the French rose to 8 officers killed, 77 officers wounded, 350 soldiers killed and 730 soldiers wounded. MM. de Castries and de Guerchy were both wounded in this action. To give an idea of the intensity of the firefight, we give the consumption of the Allied corps involved in this 14 hours combat: the 8 30-pdr howitzers shot 40 bombs and 15 burning (glowing) rounds the 12 12-pdr guns shot 680 rounds and 106 "kartschen" (grapeshot?) the 12 6-pdr guns shot 307 rounds and 150 "karttschen" the 12 6-pdr guns under Captain Fischer shot 305 rounds and 110 "karttschen" the 12 6-pdr guns of the reserve train manned by the Bckeburgers shot 280 rounds and 15 "karttschen"
the regimental 3-pdr guns (unknown number) shot 456 rounds and 128 "karttschen"
Altogether 2592 rounds of all kind, some accounts talk about the fiercest cannonade of the Seven Years' War. Beside this, 3 tons of musket-gunpowder were consumed along with: 173,289 infantry musket-cartridges 20,550 cavalry-carbine-cartridges 9,737 musket flint stones
With the French relief armies stopped on the Ohm, Ferdinand could redirect his attention to the siege and recapture the city of Kassel who surrendered on November 1.
Order of Battle
Commander-in-chief: general Ferdinand of Brunswick Granby's corps forming the right wing on the heights of Kirchhain Pierson's brigade II./1st Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) II./2nd Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) II./3rd Scots Regiment of Foot Guards (1 bn) British converged grenadiers of the Guards (1 bn)
Beckwith's brigade British Maxwell's converged grenadiers (1 bn) British Eustace's converged grenadiers (1 bn) 87th Keith's Highlanders 88th Campbell's Highlanders
Harvey's brigade Royal Horse Guards (3 sqns) aka the Blues 1st Dragoon Guards (3 sqns)
Garrison of the castle of Amneburg under Captain Kruse Lgion Britannique (1 bn of 400 men) Volunteers taken from various infantry regiments (200 men)
Zastrow's corps occupying the ground immediately before the Brcker Mhle (Zastrow commanded in the absence of Lieutenant-general Hardenberg)
Estorff Infantry (200 men) under Lieutenant-colonel Wense occupying the redoubt near the Ohm River
Zastrow's brigade Block Infantry (1 bn) Kielmannsegg Infantry (1 bn) Prinz Carl Infantry (1 bn) Estorff Infantry (rest of the bn) Craushaar Infantry (1 bn) Meding Infantry (1 bn) Linsingen Infantry (1 bn)
Cavalry Bock Dragoons (4 sqns) Mller Dragoons (4 sqns) Brunswick Carabiniers (3 sqns)
Artillery (6 guns) 4 x 12-pdr guns
Wangenheim's corps forming the left wing Haller's brigade Fsilier-Regiment von Gilsa (2 bns) von der Malsburg Infantry (2 bns)

Commander-in-chief: Prince de Soubise assisted by the Comte d'Estres Castries' corps Volontaires du Hainaut at the bridge under M. de Grandmaison battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs under M. de Schwengsfeld, taken from Alsace Infanterie Waldner Infanterie d'Arbonnier Infanterie Lochmann Infanterie
Vaubcourt brigade Vaubcourt Infanterie (2 bns) unidentified regiment (2 bns) probably Vastan Infanterie Eptingen Infanterie
Artillery (30 pieces)
Corps assaulting the castle of Amneburg unidentified units (5 bns)
References
This article incorporates texts from the following book which are now in the public domain: Carlyle T.; History of Friedrich II of Prussia vol. 20 Fortescue J. W.; A History of the British Army Vol. II, MacMillan, London, 1899 Jomini, Henri; Trait des grandes oprations militaires, 2me dition, 4me partie, Magimel, Paris: 1811, pp. 186-187 Mauvillon, I.; Geschichte Ferdinands Herzogs von Braunschweig-Lneburg, Part 2, Leipzig: 1794, pp. 251-255 Pajol, Charles P. V., Les Guerres sous Louis XV, vol. V, Paris, 1891, pp. 439-440 Grosser Generalstab, Geschichte des siebenjhrigen Krieges: In einer Reihe von Vorlesungen, mit..., Vol. 6, Berlin, 1824-1847, pp. 355-388 Renouard, Carl: "Geschichte des Krieges in Hannover, Hessen und Westfalen von 1757 bis 1763", 3 Bnde, Cassel, 1863-64 , pp. 784-796 Other sources Digitales Archiv Marburg Nafziger Collection of Orders of Battle Savory R.; His Britannic Majestys Army in Germany during the Seven Years War, Oxford 1966, pp. 416-421 Acknowledgements jws for providing the map and pictures of the battlefield.

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1757-07-26 - Battle of Hastenbeck

Prelude to the Battle

Courtesy: Christian Rogge

von Hodenberg Brigade (Hanoverian) Wagenheim - 7A (1 bn) Hodenberg - 5B (1 bn)

von Schulenburg Brigade

French Order of Battle

Belzunce Brigade (4 bns) La Couronne Brigade La Couronne (2 bns) Conty (2 bns)

Alsace Brigade Alsace (3 bns) Saint-Germain (1 bn)

Colonel Gnral Dragons (4 dismounted sqns)

Mestre de Camp Gnral Dragons (4 dismounted sqns)

Vaubcourt Brigade Vaubcourt (2 bns) Cond (2 bns)

Bourgogne Brigade Bourgogne(2 sqns)

Orlans Brigade Orlans (2 bns) Chartres (2 bns)

Left Wing Infantry Division under theDuc de Broglie

Left Wing Infantry Division under the Duc de Broglie

2nd Palatinate Brigade Baaden (2 bns) Prinz Birkenfeld (2 bns)

Poitou Brigade Poitou (2 bns) Provence (2 bns)

Royal-Sudois Brigade Royal Sudois (2 bns) Royal Bavire (2 bns)

du Roy Brigade du Roy (2 sqns) Rochefoucauld-Langeac (2 sqns) Cond (2 sqns)

Mestre de Camp Gnral Brigade Mestre de Camp Gnral (2

Hussars Bercheny Hussards (4 sqns) Polleresky Hussards (4 sqns)

1758-06-23 - Battle of Krefeld

Map of the battle of Krefeld on June 23 1758.

Brunswick Infantry (3 bns) Leib-Regiment (2 bns) Bckeburg (1 bn)

Holstein Dragoons (5 sqns) Finckenstein Dragoons (5 sqns) Malachowski Hussars (2 sqns)

Hanoverian Cavalry (4 sqns) Bock Dragoons (4 sqns)

Artillery (11 pieces) 4 x 12-pdrs guns 4 x heavy 6-pdrs guns 3 x mortars

Artillery (10 pieces) 6 x 12-pdrs guns 4 x howitzers

Cavalry (23 sqns) Prussian Cavalry (3 sqns) Ruesch Hussars (3 sqns)

Hanoverian Artillery ??? x 24-pdrs guns ??? x 12-pdrs guns

Jger Corps (4 mounted coys, 4 foot coys)

French Order of Battle

La Reine Brigade La Reine (2 sqns) de Vienne (2 sqns) Archiac (2 sqns)

Bourgogne Brigade Bourgogne (2 sqns) Montcalm (2 sqns) Cond (2 sqns)

Royal-Roussillon Brigade Royal-Roussillon (2 sqns) Harcourt (2 sqns) Fumel (2 sqns)

Auvergne Brigade Auvergne (4bns) Bretagne (2 bns)

Vaubcourt Brigade Vaubcourt (2 bns) Tournaisis (1 bn) Aumont (2 bns)

Du Roi Brigade Du Roi (4 bns)

Champagne Brigade Aquitaine (2 bns) Champagne (4 bns)

Dauphin Brigade Dauphin (2 sqns) Talleyrand (2 sqns) Orlans (2 sqns)

Aquitaine Brigade Aquitaine (2 sqns) Dampierre (2 sqns) Crussol (2 sqns)

Royal-tranger Brigade Royal-tranger (2 sqns) Charost (2 sqns) Marcieux (2 sqns)

Carabiniers under the Marquis de Poyanne

Corps des Carabiniers (10 sqns)

Hussars under M. de Turpin Bercheny (6 sqns) Turpin (6 sqns)

1758-07-23 - Combat of Sandershausen

Prelude to the Battle

A larger version of this map is available at: DigAM - document 4983

DigAM - document 5006

Freywald Landmiliz (1 bn)

Second Line Invalids (2 coys) Husaren Corps (1 sqn)

Artillery 16 light guns

French Order of Battle

Royal Bavire Brigade Royal Bavire (2 bns) Royal Deux-Ponts (1 bn)

Rohan-Montbazon Brigade Rohan Montbazon (2 bns) Beauvoisis (2 bns)

Light Troops Royal-Nassau Hussards Chasseurs de Fischer

Detached Royal Deux-Ponts (1 bn) in Sandershausen Royal Deux-Ponts (2 bns) in Kassel

1758-09-11 - Combat of Saint-Cast

French Order of Battle

Militia Fontenay-le-Comte (1 bn) Marmande (1 bn)

Garde-Ctes Militia Dol Saint-Malo

Treguier Dinan Morlaix Brest Saint-Brieuc