The Battle of Emsdorf (1760) is notable as the engagement for which the first-ever British Army Battle Honour was awarded.
Key Facts
- Date
- 16 July 1760
- Prisoners captured
- Over 1,650 prisoners
- Allied casualties
- 186 troops
- 15th Light Dragoons casualties
- 125 of 186 total Allied losses troops
- Colours captured
- 16, presented to King George III
- First Battle Honour
- First ever Battle Honour awarded in British Army history
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Seven Years' War, Allied forces sought to disrupt French lines of communication by capturing Marburg, a key French supply depot in Hesse. A combined British, Hanoverian, and Hessian force under the Prince of Hesse-Kassel moved to engage the French garrison under Marechal de Camp von Glaubitz, which included German regiments in French service.
On 16 July 1760, the Anglo-Hanoverian force surprised the French troops at their midday camp near Emsdorf. The French hussars fled immediately, and though two infantry battalions briefly formed up, concentrated Hessian fire and aggressive charges by the British 15th Light Dragoons cut off most French escape routes. Glaubitz attempted to withdraw to Kirchhain, but the Allied cavalry prevented most of his force from escaping.
The Allied forces captured over 1,650 French prisoners, largely through repeated charges by the 15th Light Dragoons, who bore the bulk of the 186 Allied casualties. Lieutenant Colonel William Erskine presented 16 captured colours to King George III. However, Marburg was not taken. The battle became the first engagement for which a British Army Battle Honour was formally awarded.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Prince of Hesse-Kassel, Lieutenant Colonel William Erskine.
Side B
1 belligerent
Marechal de Camp von Glaubitz.