Battle of Gadebusch
Near Gadebusch, Mecklenburg, Germany
What happened
A Swedish army under Magnus Stenbock attacked a Danish and Saxon army under King Frederick IV of Denmark and Jobst von Scholten. The Danes held a defensive position near Gadebusch. The Swedes had little choice but to attack head-on. Swedish infantry advanced under fire, Swedish cavalry struck the Danish left, and by dusk the Danish and Saxon forces withdrew, leaving their guns.
Why it matters
Sweden needed to protect Stralsund, its gateway to Poland. It was Sweden's last great victory of the Great Northern War.
What came next
The king confirmed Stenbock as field marshal after the victory, but the next year the allies surrounded and defeated his army at Tönningen.
Did you know?
Maurice de Saxe, who fought on the other side, reportedly called the Swedish bravery 'absolutely astounding'.
Timeline
- 10 Mar 1710Stenbock wins at Helsingborg.
- 20 Dec 1712Battle of Gadebusch (9 Dec Old Style).
- 1713Stenbock's army surrenders at Tönningen.