Battle of Zorndorf
Sarbinowo (Zorndorf), Lubusz Voivodeship, Poland
What happened
Frederick the Great's Prussian army fought a Russian army under William Fermor during the Seven Years' War. A Russian army had marched into Brandenburg and was besieging the fortress of Küstrin. Frederick marched round behind it and attacked. His cavalry general Seydlitz charged and broke the Russian right wing, and the fighting went on at close quarters in marshy ground until both sides ran short of gunpowder.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Neither army was driven from the field, and both claimed victory. But the Russians gave up the siege of Küstrin, which eased the threat to Berlin.
What came next
Fermor withdrew in good order to join other Russian forces.
Did you know?
Frederick is said to have remarked that it was easier to kill the Russians than to defeat them.
Timeline
- 25 August 1758Battle of Zorndorf.
- 14 October 1758Frederick is defeated at Hochkirch.
- 8 November 1773Seydlitz dies at Ohlau.