Battle of Minden
Minden, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
What happened
An allied army of British, Hanoverian, Hessian and Prussian troops under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick fought a French and Saxon army under the Marquis de Contades. During the Seven Years' War, a French army threatened Hanover. At Minden, British infantry, apparently misunderstanding their orders, marched straight toward the French cavalry. Instead of being swept away, they stood firm and drove off charge after charge, and the whole allied line then advanced and won.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the French threat to Hanover for that year. It is famous because foot soldiers stood firm and defeated cavalry charges in the open.
What came next
The French withdrew south toward Kassel. Regiments that fought at Minden still mark 1 August as Minden Day.
Did you know?
Soldiers are said to have picked roses from gardens on their way into battle, and their regiments still wear roses on Minden Day.
Timeline
- 1 August 1759The allies win at Minden.
- 1764Minden stops being a fortress.
- Every 1 AugustRegiments that fought at Minden mark Minden Day.