Battle of Krefeld facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Krefeld
Part of the Seven Years' War
Battle of Krefeld
Date 23 June 1758 Location Krefeld, present-day North Rhine-Westphalia Result Prussian-Hanovarian victory
Belligerents
Prussia Hanover	France
Commanders and leaders
Duke of Brunswick	Louis de Bourbon
Strength
32,000 men	47,000 men
Casualties and losses
1,600 men	4,200 men

The Battle of Krefeld was an important battle during the Seven Years' War. It took place on June 23, 1758, near the city of Krefeld in what is now Germany. In this battle, an army from Prussia and Hanover fought against the French army. The Prussian-Hanoverian forces won the battle.

What Led to the Battle?

An old painting showing the Battle of Krefeld by Emil Hünten.

Before the battle, the Hanoverian Army was led by Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick. He was the brother-in-law of the famous Prussian King Frederick the Great. Duke Ferdinand had successfully pushed the French army back across the Rhine River.

The French army was commanded by the Comte de Clermont. He had just taken over command. Duke Ferdinand's army had crossed the Rhine. This put them in a position to threaten France itself. Clermont wanted to stop Ferdinand's advance. He chose a strong defensive position. This spot was on the south side of a walled canal. The canal ran from east to west. Clermont thought this natural barrier would be easy to defend.

How the Battle Unfolded

The allied Prussian and Hanoverian troops, led by Duke Ferdinand, attacked first. They faced the French forces, who were dug in behind their defenses. Duke Ferdinand first pretended to attack the French army's right side. This was a trick to make the French focus there.

Then, Ferdinand made a clever move. He led his troops on a wide march around the French. They crossed the canal where the French couldn't see them. His army then appeared from a wooded area on the French army's left side.

The French commander, Clermont, was having lunch when the surprise attack happened. He was slow to send help to his left side. Because of this delay, the French left flank was badly beaten.

A brave French officer, the Comte de Gisors, was seriously hurt. He was leading a charge of French soldiers called Carabiniers. He was the only child of the French war minister. Even though the French left side was crushed, the Comte de St. Germain, who commanded that wing, managed to organize a defense. This prevented a complete disaster. The French army was able to retreat from the battlefield in fairly good order.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Erbprinz, who was the son of the Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, fought very well. He commanded the allied troops that made the surprise attack. He later died from wounds he received in another battle during the Napoleonic Wars.

After this defeat, the French commander Clermont asked to be removed from his position. His request was granted. He was replaced by Marshal de Contades.