The Battle of Strehla. (An incident in the invasion of Saxony 1756)

More action as the two armies come into contact.
The battle is now at they key stage.

The Battle of Strehla.... Next moves

The Prussians deploy into line and advance towards the Austrian line.
On the left flank, the Prussian Cavalry attack the Saxons defending Strehla
Meanwhile on the right, the Prussian grenadiers begin their assault of the Durrenberg. Progress is slow, delayed by the ascent and the undergrowth. The Croats await them.

The Battle at Strehla

After taking Torgau, Prince Henry continued his advance south and approached the town of Strehla, on the river Elbe, in pursuit of the Saxons. Fusilier regiment IR42, who had suffered heavy casualties in the recent action were left to occupy Torgau, under their Colonel, Rudolf von Schenckendorff.

Unknown, to Prince Henry, Austrian General von Browne had moved north with a relief force of 5 infantry regiments, 3 grenadier battalions, Croats and 3 cavalry regiments. Von Browne formed a line from Strehla  (which was occupied by two Saxon regiments), along the Clauschwitz road, as far as the Durrenberg hill, which was covered in woods and occupied by Croats. Von Browne took up a defensive position, with orders to defend the town, but to fall back in good order if the Prussians could not be held.

Prince Henry decided on a frontal attack by infantry regiments IR18, IR14, IR11 and GR33/42.
Meanwhile a secondary force of 2 grenadier battalions and IR26 would work their way over the Durrenberg hill and attempt to "roll up"the Austrian line by hitting its flank at Clauschwitz.

The Prussian advance begins .....

                                    Campaign map showing Prussian and Austrian positions

Prince Henry receives a bloody nose from Browne. The Prussian army withdraws as darkness falls, having suffered heavy losses. For Prince Henry this was a difficult learning exercise. A full frontal attack on well defended positions must be backed up by more artillery and reserves who can be fed in to support the attack. Frederick is on his way, but how does Henry break the news of his defeat !