They had been playing cat-and-mouse for months. The Prussian army, under King Frederick II,
had been watching the Habsburg army commanded by Prince Charles of Lorraine. They recently set up
camp nearby the small village of Burkersdorf. Much to Charles’ surprise, the Prussians did not seize
notable elevations in the region. Capitalising on this momentary lack of defences, Charles knew he
would be able to ambush the significantly outsized Prussians. Under the cover of mist and darkness,
Austrian and Saxon infantry and cavalry emerged from the dense Konigreich-forest. They were ready
for battle, even though their adversaries had no idea it was imminent.
[Background]
In the Aftermath of the Battle of Hohenfriedberg, Frederick showered his army with praise.
In revealing letters, he wrote: "The army, cavalry, infantry,
and hussars have never so distinguished themselves. "and how "everyone and his
brothers fought like lions for their country." He was also optimistic about the results from
Hohenfriedberg. To his ministers, he wrote that the victory will "bring us a good
peace and a long rest." He would soon find out that was far from the truth.
But he did have good reason to think Maria Theresa wanted to sue for peace.
The Habsburgs suffered defeats in Italy and Flanders. Their allies were growing tired of the
war. Meanwhile, Frederick began capitalising on his success somewhat by advancing onto
Koniggratz. The Austrians and Saxons retreated to the city's south, to a solid defensive position.
When Frederick set up camp to the north, both encampments could keep an eye on each other. But
both Frederick and Prince Charles of Lorraine kept it at that and did not engage in any battle.
Over summer, Frederick feigned some movements to unnerve Charles, while some generals rooted
out the Hungarian Hussars behind their lines in Silesia. But being this far south, Frederick's
supply lines were stretched. Still, he considered himself an observation army keeping the Austrians
at bay. Throughout the weeks encamped there, he had to send off multiple detachments of soldiers
to deal with small Austrian vanguard raiding parties to his north and west. The majority
of his army, albeit slinking, remained dormant. Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick's letters reveal
what he thought of Austria's strategy: "They have wounded two of our people
with their muskets while hiding like thieves and robbers behind trees and not showing themselves
in the open as becomes proper soldiers." British attempts to broker peace weren't fruitful.
They wanted the war on the European mainland to end, but Maria Theresa was livid after the defeat
at Hohenfriedberg. She sent Khevenhuller on a diplomatic mission to convince Duke Weissenfels
to continue the fight against Prussia. Defeating Prussia remained the top priority.
To augment the weakened Austrian army in Bohemia, Maria Theresa sent many reinforcements
to Charles. Ten battalions of infantry, a corps of cavalry and two senior commanders.
Thanks to these reinforcements, Charles' army soon numbered over 40.000 again. In contrast,
Frederick continued sending detachments of soldiers to other regions where reinforcements
were required. His main force was slinking fast. By late July, Frederick decided to move.
He set up his camp north of the small village of Burkersdorf. Considering himself just
an observation army, perhaps that's how he lulled himself in a false sense of security.
Letters reveal the King was already planning to return to Berlin in winter to oversee the
continued construction of Sanssouci. But international developments hinted
at Maria Theresa not being eager to give up the fight, especially because her husband was crowned
Holy Roman Emperor on September 13. And Charles too had different plans. First, he followed
Frederick and set up camp close-by, overlooking Burkersdorf and the Prussian camp from a hilltop.
Then, after some hesitation, he decided his position was perfect for an ambush. The dense
Konigreich-forest provided cover, while the hills ensured they would have the higher ground.
[Battle Formations]
On a foggy and damp early morning, September 30 1745, Charles and his army marched through the
hilly Konigreich-forest to reach the flank of the encamped Prussians. He noticed the Prussians had
not captured the Graner-Koppe hill, the dominant terrain feature in the region.
That night, several Saxon and Austrian vanguard units took up positions on the hills overseeing
Burkersdorf and the Prussian camp. Then, in the early morning hours, the Saxons and Austrians
emerged from the thick woods. On the Graner-Koppe, Charles positioned ten battalions of musketeers,
fifteen companies of grenadiers, thirty squadrons of cuirassiers and dragoons,
fifteen companies of elite carabiniers and mounted grenadiers, and sixteen heavy guns
pointed at the Prussians. It was a significant force for sure, but even more soldiers of the
main army were positioned to the south of them. As the first Austrians emerged from the woods,
Prussian guards caught on and rushed to headquarters to inform Frederick. As Frederick
held his 5 AM morning meeting with his generals, he received the news of Charles'sarmy approaching.
Frederick immediately jumped on his horse and rode past his army encampment, ordering the drummers
and trumpets to sound the alarm. Thoroughly drilled, the Prussian infantry and cavalry rapidly
took their positions. Letters from the French envoy reveal he was surprised at each regiment's
speed, discipline, and initiative to take their positions without receiving specific orders.
Despite this, the Austrian army numbered nearly twice as many soldiers: 40.200 against Prussia's
22.000. Still, the outnumbered Prussians managed to deploy parallel to the Austrians.
Frederick didn't have much time to form his plans, but his rough sketch was as follows:
he wanted his cavalry on the right to circle the Graner-Koppe to flank the Austrians and Saxons
on the hill. Meanwhile, the infantry would attack straight against the units on the Graner-Koppe.
The remainder of the army had to keep the rest of the Austrians and Saxons at bay,
without engaging in combat.
[Battle sequence]
At 8 AM, the mist mostly dissolved, upon which the Austrian artillery on the Graner-Koppe
opened their fire. Simultaneously, Frederick gave the general order to his
army to advance against the Austrian positions. The cavalry on the right faced the brunt of the
damage. They were the vanguard, after all. The artillery scored some significant hits against
them, but they managed to push through and emerged on the Austrian left flank.
A letter written by a Prussian officer reveals: "Our cavalry withstood this ordeal with a
composure that was all the more admirable when you consider that the enemy bombs frequently landed in
the middle of the squadrons, carrying away eight or ten horses at once. After every explosion, the
troopers collected themselves, filled the gaps, and continued the march with sword in hand. "
Circumventing the mound, the Prussian squadrons reached a narrow passage leading to an access
point of the Graner-Koppe. The surprised Austrian cavalry protecting the left did not launch a
charge, and as they remained stationary, they suffered the brunt of the charging
Prussian cavalry. Confused fighting followed, but the Austrians ended up being pushed back
into the forest. Seeing their cavalry in disarray, several Austrian infantry units
opened fire and localised melees broke out between infantry and cavalry.
All the while, the Prussian infantry marched on. On the Prussian right,
the Anhalt grenadier regiment, marching directly against the Graner-Koppe, reached the foot of the
hill and began climbing it. They met with extreme resistance, both by artillery and musket fire.
Without inflicting damage against the Austrians, many Prussians fell.
Among the casualties was Prince Albrecht of Brunswick, Frederick's brother-in-law. The
Austrians, jeering "Es lebe Maria Theresa" caused mounting deaths among the grenadiers.
Their first attack was repelled, with some units losing up to three-quarters of their men.
The second attack was more successful. This time, the Geist grenadier regiment and two regiments of
musketeers tried climbing the hill. Thanks to poor positioning by the Austrians on the slope,
the artillery was unable to fire at them. Brief but savage fighting ensued on top of the hill
before the Prussians drove the Austrians from it. The Prussian infantry and cavalry holding
the other side of Burkersdorf received explicit orders not to engage the Austrians.
Instead, they were to remain steady and prevent the Austrian right flank from
running to support the left. But as the battle progressed on the Prussian right,
the left slowly began moving onto the Austrian lines. It is unknown why they advanced,
although it is for certain this was contrary to their official orders.
Led by Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, the Prussians engaged in skirmishes.
As time progressed, these skirmishes evolved into a full charge by the Prussian left. The
frontal charge against the Austrian infantry led to savage close combat with the cavalry.
The Austrian cavalry remained stationary and did not support their infantry. Their
lack of initiative allowed the Prussian cavalry to seize 850 Austrian prisoners.
As the fighting continued on every front, a few Hungarian hussars and Croatian pandurs
did not feel like fighting. General Nadasdy and Colonel Baron von Trenck
led their men straight towards the Prussian camp behind the Prussian lines. The lack of defences
made it easy pickings - They easily defeated the few defenders. As they ransacked the camp,
they came across Frederick's tent and the war chest. Reportedly,
this was filled with up to 80,000 ducats. But they stole all valuables they could find and carry,
seizing over 1,000,000 ducats' worth of items and belongings. Among the loot was anything,
from table silver to linen cloths, to snuffboxes, to Frederick's flutes and even his dog.
By noon, the Austrians and Saxons deteriorated into a rout into the Konigrech-forest.
Despite the relatively simple battle sequence, the battle was incredibly bloody,
savagely fought, and casualties indeed mounted. In total, the Prussians suffered 3911 casualties,
of whom 856 died. Frederick's brother-in-law, Duke Albrecht of Brunswick, was among the dead.
It is very telling of Frederick's poor marriage quality, for he did not even
write his wife a letter of condolence. The Austrian and Saxon casualties numbered 7,444.
[Aftermath]
In the Aftermath, Frederick tried to launch a pursuit, but the forest, hills, and lack
of coordination among his troops prevented any significant follow-up. He later wrote about this:
"My cavalry came to a halt not far short of the enemy rearguard. I hastened up and shouted:
'Marsch, vorwarts, drauf!' I was greeted with 'Vivat Victoria!' and a prolonged chorus of cries.
Again I called out 'Marsch!' - and again nobody wanted to move. I lost my temper, I struck out
with my stick and fist, and I swore (and I think I know how to swear when I am angry), but I could do
nothing to bring my cavalrymen one step forward. They were drunk with joy and did not hear me."
He described the battle as "terrible but glorious" and "the fiercest of the four" he had fought.
He remarked it had been bloodier than Hohenfriedberg. He also recognised
the shrewdness of the Austrians, complimenting Charles on his initially thought out strategy.
It was thanks to Frederick's soldiers' discipline,
the thinking on his feet and courage in the face of aversion that Soor did not become a bloodbath.
Oh, and he wrote a letter to his wife after multiple complaints about his cruel behaviour.
It translates roughly to: “He was a brave man. I’m amazed he wasn’t killed long ago.”
The French envoy remarked that at 'Hohenfriedberg he fought for Silesia,
at Soor, he fought for his life.' But despite his significant successes in battle so far,
danger still loomed for Frederick. It would arrive much sooner than he anticipated.
Thank you for watching this video.