Battle of Dettingen
Near Karlstein am Main, Bavaria, Germany
What happened
The 'Pragmatic Army' of Britain, Hanover and Austria, led by King George II and the Earl of Stair, fought the French army of the Duke of Noailles. During the War of the Austrian Succession, the Allied army was short of supplies and marching toward Hanau, and its route ran past the French at Dettingen. French cavalry and infantry attacked, but the Allied infantry held firm. After about three hours the French withdrew across the River Main.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the last time a reigning British monarch led troops in battle. It had little effect on the wider war.
What came next
George II ended the campaign later that year. A day of public thanksgiving was held in Britain.
Did you know?
George Frideric Handel wrote his Dettingen Te Deum, full of trumpets and drums, to celebrate the victory only about a month after the battle.
Timeline
- 27 June 1743The Allies win at Dettingen.
- 17-29 July 1743Handel composes the Dettingen Te Deum.
- 27 November 1743The Te Deum is first performed before George II.
- 1745The Battle of Fontenoy.