Battle of Turckheim
Turckheim, Alsace, France
What happened
A French army under Turenne attacked Imperial and Brandenburg forces under Alexander von Bournonville and the Elector Frederick William. Ignoring the custom of resting in winter, Turenne marched his army secretly through the Vosges mountains and surprised the Imperial army. At Turckheim he pretended to attack the centre, then led a third of his army round the enemy flank, hidden by the land, and broke their line.
Why it matters
It forced the Imperial armies out of Alsace and protected France from invasion there. It is called one of the brightest campaigns of the 17th century.
What came next
The Elector's army retreated to Strasbourg and crossed back over the Rhine. Turenne was killed in battle that July.
Did you know?
Turenne's winter campaign surprised his enemies because armies usually did not fight in winter.
Timeline
- 27 Dec 1674Turenne reaches Belfort.
- 29 Dec 1674Turenne reaches Mulhouse.
- 5 Jan 1675Battle of Turckheim.
- 27 Jul 1675Turenne is killed.