Battles & Campaigns · 1866
Battle of Náchod
Náchod, Czech Republic
What happened
Prussian advance troops held high ground near Náchod. Austrian units attacked, were driven back, and sent in more brigades. The Prussians' needle guns could be loaded and fired while lying down, unlike the Austrians' older muzzle-loaders, and in the early afternoon Ramming ordered a retreat.
Why it matters
The Austrians lost control of a mountain pass into Bohemia. The Prussian army could now move forward to join up with its other armies.
What came next
Ramming fell back to Skalitz, and the Austrian corps at Trautenau was left exposed. A week later Prussia won at Königgrätz.
Did you know?
Steinmetz was hailed as the 'Lion of Náchod', and Bismarck reportedly became popular for the first time in his life.
Timeline
- 27 Jun 1866Battles of Náchod and Trautenau.
- 28 Jun 1866The Austrian corps at Trautenau withdraws.
- 3 Jul 1866Battle of Königgrätz.