Battle of Lüneburg
Lüneburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
What happened
Russian and Prussian troops under Wilhelm von Dörnberg and Karl von Borcke attacked French and Saxon troops under Joseph Morand. Morand's force had entered Lüneburg, where armed townspeople resisted. At dawn Cossacks appeared at the south gate and drew Morand's troops into a trap, while Allied cavalry struck from the side. Fighting spread through the streets, and by afternoon the French and Saxons were surrounded and captured.
Why it matters
It was the first big fight after the French retreat from Russia. People at the time called it the first success of the wars of liberation.
What came next
French troops under Davout retook the town days later, but the Allies won it back on 11 April.
Did you know?
A local woman, Johanna Stegen, carried ammunition to Prussian soldiers in her apron and became known as the 'Heroine of Lüneburg'.
Timeline
- 1 Apr 1813French and Saxon troops enter Lüneburg.
- 2 Apr 1813Battle of Lüneburg.
- 4 Apr 1813Davout enters Lüneburg.
- 11 Apr 1813Dörnberg retakes the city.