Battle of Lobositz

Battle

The Austrian army took up a defensive stance on a hill, the Lobosch-mountain (Lovo?), along the Elbe River, partly behind and partly in front of a small brook, the Morellenbach (Modla). Though not deep, and crossable by infantry and cavalry, this brook and its marshy slopes would disorder all formations that would attempt to cross it. Opposite it was another mountain, the Homolka mountain, of volcanic origin.

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In heavy fog Frederick's Prussians approached. A detatchment of Croats were the first to open fire, and believing he was up against a small rearguard of the Austrian army, Fredrick ordered a few infantry batallions to advance. The infantry cleared the lower slopes of the Homolka mountain, while the Prussian artillery was brought forward into position. From a terrace they had a good field of fire over the valley and the Austrian cavalry. Infantry in the Prussian center became the target of the Austrian main battery as the mist slowly lifted. It became apparent to Frederick that this was not the Austrian rearguard, but a full field army facing him. To shield his infantry from the decimating fire of the Austrian artillery, he ordered his cavalry to charge.

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Twice Prussian cavalry assaulted the Austrian position in vain. Already believing the battle to be lost, Frederick wanted to leave the battlefield, saying "These are no longer the same Austrians".

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Prussian General Bevern, in command of the Prussian left wing, however succeeded in storming the Austrian right flank on a hill with the Prussian infantry. They charged with their bayonets, many soldiers having run out of ammunition. He chased them through the burning town of Lobositz. The Austrian army retreated, leaving the Prussians in command of the battlefield.

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