Battle of Wilhelmsthal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Wilhelmsthal
Part of the Seven Years' War
General map of Duke Ferdinand of Brunswicks campaigns in 1762, Berlin 1872
Date 24 June 1762 Location Castle of Wilhelmsthal near Calden, northwestern Germany Result Allied victory
Belligerents
Great Britain  Hanover  Prussia Hesse-Kassel	France
Commanders and leaders
Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick	Prince de Soubise Duc d'Estrées
Strength
50,000	70,000 (18,000 engaged)
Casualties and losses
796 208 killed 273 wounded 315 captured	3,600 900 killed or wounded 2,702 captured

The Battle of Wilhelmsthal was an important fight during the Seven Years' War. It happened on June 24, 1762. This battle took place near Wilhelmsthal Castle in northwestern Germany. The Allied forces, including soldiers from Britain, Prussia, Hanover, Brunswick, and Hesse, fought against the French army. The Allies were led by the Duke of Brunswick. The French were trying to invade Hanover again. But the Allies managed to surround them. This forced the French to retreat. It was one of the last big battles for the Duke of Brunswick's army. The war ended soon after with the Peace of Paris.

Why the Battle Happened

Since 1757, France had tried many times to invade and take over Hanover. Hanover was a German state that belonged to the British King. France hoped to use Hanover as a bargaining chip. They wanted to trade it to get back their colonies that Britain had captured.

The Allied army, led by the Duke of Brunswick, had always stopped France. By 1762, everyone knew the war was ending soon. So, the French decided to try one last big attack. They wanted to defeat Brunswick's army and finally take Hanover.

How the Battle Unfolded

The Duke of Brunswick was very clever. He moved his army around the French forces. He managed to get his soldiers on both sides of the French army. This almost completely surrounded them.

A key part of the battle was an attack on the French center. This part of the French army was led by Stainville. One group of Allied soldiers attacked from the front. Another group attacked from behind. This surprise attack was very effective. The French lost about 900 soldiers, either killed or wounded. Another 2,700 French soldiers were forced to surrender.

What Happened After

The Battle of Wilhelmsthal was a clear victory for the Allied forces. This win ended France's last hopes. They could no longer take over Hanover before the war ended.

After this battle, the Anglo-German forces kept moving forward. They successfully captured Cassel in November. However, by then, the first agreements for peace had already been signed. The Treaty of Paris officially ended the war.