Battle of Emsdorf facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Emsdorf
Part of the Seven Years' War
Date 16 July 1760 Location Emsdorf, Hesse (present-day Germany) Result Anglo-Hanoverian victory
Belligerents
Great Britain Hanover  Hesse-Kassel	France
Commanders and leaders
Friedrich, Hereditary Prince of Hesse-Kassel	Baron von Glaubitz
Strength
3,000	3,000
Casualties and losses
186	2,600

The Battle of Emsdorf was a quick but important fight during the Seven Years' War. It took place on July 16, 1760. The battle happened near Emsdorf in what is now Hesse, Germany. This fight was between soldiers from Britain, Hanover, and Hesse. They were led by Prince Friedrich of Hesse-Kassel. Their opponents were French troops, led by Baron von Glaubitz. The main goal was to cut off French supply lines by capturing the town of Marburg.

Who Fought in the Battle of Emsdorf?

The Anglo-Hanoverian side had about 3,000 soldiers. This force included six groups of Hanoverian and Hessian foot soldiers. They also had some Hanoverian jägers (light infantry). Light cavalry called hussars, led by Luckner, were also part of this group. Finally, the British 15th Light Dragoons, a type of cavalry, joined them.

The French side also had about 3,000 soldiers. Their force included five groups of foot soldiers from German regiments. These were called Royal-Bavarière and Anhalt. They also had a regiment of hussars and some other light troops.

What Were the Armies Like?

• Infantry: These were foot soldiers who fought with muskets. They were the main part of most armies.
• Jägers: These were skilled hunters and skirmishers. They often moved ahead of the main army.
• Hussars: These were light cavalry known for their speed. They were good at scouting and quick attacks.
• Dragoons: These were soldiers who could fight on horseback or on foot. They were very versatile.

How Did the Battle Begin?

The British forces managed to surprise the French army. The French soldiers were just sitting down to lunch in their camp. When the attack started, the French hussars quickly ran away. Two groups of French foot soldiers tried to get into formation. But they were hit hard by concentrated fire from the Hessian soldiers.

Baron von Glaubitz sent one group of his soldiers back to Marburg. He tried to pull the rest of his troops back towards Kirchhain. However, most of the escape routes were blocked. Luckner and his light troops had cut them off.

The British Dragoons' Big Role

The Anglo-Hanoverian forces captured over 1,650 prisoners. This was mostly thanks to the British 15th Light Dragoons. This cavalry unit made several brave charges. They rode directly into the retreating French soldiers. These charges helped to capture many of the enemy.

The 15th Light Dragoons suffered the most casualties on their side. Out of 186 Allied casualties, 125 were from this regiment. After the battle, Lieutenant Colonel William Erskine of the 15th Dragoons presented King George III with 16 captured flags. These flags were taken by his regiment during the fight.

What Was the Outcome?

The Battle of Emsdorf was a clear victory for the Anglo-Hanoverian forces. They captured many French soldiers and flags. However, the main goal of the campaign was not achieved. They did not manage to capture the French supply depot at Marburg.

This battle was also very special for another reason. It was the first time a "Battle Honour" was ever given. A Battle Honour is a special award given to military units for their bravery in a specific battle. Later, other important battles were also given this special status.