Battles & Campaigns · 1806
Battle of Prenzlau
Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany
What happened
Days after Prussia's heavy defeats at Jena and Auerstedt, Murat's cavalry stopped Hohenlohe's corps near Prenzlau. During talks, Murat persuaded Hohenlohe that he was surrounded by a much bigger French army. In fact only Murat's cavalry and one brigade of infantry were nearby, and Hohenlohe surrendered his whole corps.
Why it matters
About 10,000 Prussian soldiers gave up to a smaller force. It showed how low Prussian morale had fallen.
What came next
The next day more Prussians surrendered at Pasewalk, and the fortress of Stettin soon fell to another bluff. Blücher retreated toward Lübeck.
Did you know?
When a wagon blew up in the distance, a French officer claimed it was a signal gun, helping to convince the Prussians they were trapped.
Timeline
- 14 Oct 1806Prussian defeats at Jena and Auerstedt.
- 28 Oct 1806Hohenlohe surrenders at Prenzlau.
- 29 Oct 1806Prussians surrender at Pasewalk.
- 6 Nov 1806Battle of Lübeck.