Battles & Campaigns · 1806
Battle of Lübeck
Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
What happened
After Jena, Blücher retreated north and entered the neutral city of Lübeck. The French attacked the next day, fought their way through the city gates, and took Lübeck by mid-afternoon. A small Swedish force was also captured.
Why it matters
The next day Blücher, trapped near the Danish border, surrendered. It ended the last large Prussian force in the campaign.
What came next
Bernadotte treated the captured Swedish officers kindly. Almost four years later, Sweden chose him as crown prince, and he became King Charles XIV John in 1818.
Did you know?
Blücher wrote in his surrender: 'I capitulate, since I have neither bread nor ammunition.'
Timeline
- 28 Oct 1806Hohenlohe surrenders at Prenzlau.
- 1 Nov 1806Rearguard fight at Waren-Nossentin.
- 6 Nov 1806Battle of Lübeck.
- 7 Nov 1806Blücher surrenders.
- 1818Bernadotte becomes King of Sweden.