The Seven Years War Pt#1

Early in 1757, the Prussians, under the command of Bevern, pushed their way forward through Silesia into Austria. Before he could muster all Prussian units in the area his force of 25, 000 men were approached by an Austrian force, commanded by Collerado, of roughly 36, 000 men.


Collerado blocked the further advance of Bevern's men into Austria itself by taking up position among a group of low hills and ridges that ran parallel to the road southward. Bevern could not pass on without his flank being threatened so her decided to assault the Austrians and drive them off before resuming his journey.
The resultant battle was fiercely fought with cavalry playing a large role in the battle. A young Major C. Savage served with the Seydlitz Hussars who, under the command of Manstein, rode from the left wing to emerge between the centre and right wing infantry commands. It was their charge, together with the Leibcarabinier and Jung-Krakow Dragoons, that drove off the Austrian cavalry and surged into the reserve French forces who were coming forward to menace the Prussian centre infantry under Oldenberg.



The day was decided by the combined frontal assaults of Manstein's horse and Oldenberg's infantry, including Fusiliers and III Guard Battalion, and the far left wing cavalry which rode around to threaten the Austrian rear. Special mention should go to the Austrian right wing cavalry under O'Donnel who held up the attack of the blue wall until they were driven off by Manstein's horse.