Siege of Glatz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siege of Glatz |
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| Part of the Third Silesian War (Seven Years' War) | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Kingdom of Prussia |
 Austria |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Bartholomäus d'O | General von Laudon | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 3,200 | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 700 casualties 2,500 prisoners |
214 casualties | ||||||
The Siege of Glatz was an important battle in 1760. It happened during the Third Silesian War, which was part of the bigger Seven Years' War. Austrian soldiers, led by General Laudon, attacked and captured the strong fortress of Glatz. This fortress was held by Prussian soldiers. Glatz is also known as Kladsko in Czech and Kłodzko in Polish.
Starting the Siege
On June 6, General Laudon and his Austrian forces surrounded Glatz. They had to wait for heavy cannons to arrive. These big guns were brought from Olmütz (Olomouc) in a nearby region called Moravia.
While waiting, Laudon learned that a Prussian army was coming. This Prussian force was led by General Fouqué. Laudon had many more soldiers than Fouqué. So, Laudon moved his army to stop the Prussians.
Battle of Landeshut
On June 23, Laudon's forces met Fouqué's army. This battle is known as the Battle of Landeshut. Laudon's larger army forced Fouqué to surrender. This was a big win for the Austrians.
The Attack on Glatz
After defeating Fouqué, General Laudon returned to Glatz. His heavy cannons had finally arrived. The real siege began on July 20. Soldiers dug trenches closer to the fortress walls.
The cannons fired, weakening the defenses of Glatz. General Laudon then asked for volunteers to storm the city. These brave soldiers attacked the fortress. They managed to open the gates. This allowed the rest of the Austrian army to rush inside. The fortress was captured.
What Happened Next
The year 1760 saw many battles and army movements. But Glatz was the only place the Austrians and their allies managed to capture. This meant the overall situation in the war did not change much from the year before.
The Prussian commander at Glatz was Colonel Bartholomäus d'O. He was taken prisoner by the Austrians. After the war ended, he was released. However, Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia, held him responsible for losing Glatz. Colonel d'O faced severe punishment for this loss.
