Battles & Campaigns · 1759
Battle of Hoyerswerda
Hoyerswerda, Saxony, Germany
What happened
Prince Henry's army slipped out of its camp at night, leaving fires burning and a few soldiers making noise. After a long march, it surprised Wehla's force of about 3,000 at Hoyerswerda, which broke within minutes. Wehla was captured.
Why it matters
It came soon after Prussia's heavy defeat at Kunersdorf and lifted Frederick the Great's confidence. The historian Thomas Carlyle called the night march Prince Henry's cleverest feat.
What came next
The Austrian commander Daun had to turn back into Saxony, leaving the Russians to face Frederick alone.
Did you know?
The Austrians attacked the empty Prussian camp after Henry's army had already left.
Timeline
- 12 Aug 1759Prussian defeat at Kunersdorf.
- Night before the battlePrince Henry's army leaves its camp.
- 25 Sep 1759Battle of Hoyerswerda.
- Autumn 1759Daun withdraws into Saxony.