Battle of Fehrbellin (1758) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Fehrbellin
Part of the Pomeranian War (Seven Years' War)
Date 28 September 1758 Location near Fehrbellin, Germany Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Sweden	Prussia
Commanders and leaders
Carl Constantin De Carnall	Carl Heinrich von Wedel
Strength
800 men, 3 artillery pieces ~1,500 reinforcements: 2 battalions, 4 squadrons, 4 artillery pieces	5,000–6,000: 6 battalions, 10 squadrons, 20 artillery pieces
Casualties and losses
345 killed, wounded and captured	–

The Battle of Fehrbellin was an important fight during the Seven Years' War. It happened on September 28, 1758, near the town of Fehrbellin in Germany. This battle was fought between the armies of Sweden and Prussia.

What Was the Battle of Fehrbellin?

The Battle of Fehrbellin was a clash between two European powers. It was part of a larger conflict called the Seven Years' War. This big war involved many countries around the world. The battle at Fehrbellin was specifically part of the Pomeranian War. This was a smaller part of the Seven Years' War fought in a region called Pomerania.

Who Fought in This Battle?

On one side were the Swedish forces. They were led by General Carl Constantin De Carnall. The Swedes were trying to push into an area called Brandenburg. On the other side were the Prussian forces. They were led by General Carl Heinrich von Wedel. The Prussians wanted to stop the Swedish advance.

• Swedish Army:
  • Commander: General Carl Constantin De Carnall
  • Strength: About 800 soldiers with 3 cannons. Later, they got about 1,500 more soldiers and 4 more cannons.
• Prussian Army:
  • Commander: General Carl Heinrich von Wedel
  • Strength: Around 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers with 20 cannons.

How Did the Battle Happen?

The Swedish army was holding the town of Fehrbellin. They had placed one cannon at each of the town's three gates. The Prussian army arrived first. They attacked the western gate, which was called the Mühlenthor. The Prussians managed to break through this gate.

The Swedish soldiers defending that gate were outnumbered. They were forced to retreat in a hurry through the streets of the town. However, more Swedish soldiers arrived as reinforcements. These fresh troops helped turn the tide. The Prussians had not managed to burn the bridge behind them. This made their position difficult. Because of this, the Prussians were forced to retreat from the town.

What Was the Result?

The Battle of Fehrbellin ended in a victory for the Swedish forces. They successfully defended the town and pushed back the Prussians.

• Swedish Losses: The Swedes lost 23 officers and 322 regular soldiers. These were soldiers who were killed, wounded, or captured.
• Prussian Losses: The Prussians also suffered many casualties. Reports say they took 15 wagons full of dead and wounded soldiers with them when they left.

This battle was an important moment in the Pomeranian War. It showed that the Swedish army could stand strong against the Prussians.