Minden - British Infantry Walks Into Cavalry

August 1, 1759

Through an aide's mistranslated order, six British infantry regiments advanced alone against the entire French cavalry reserve. They stood firm, fired by platoons, and shattered charge after charge. The French army of Germany never recovered. British regiments still wear roses on August 1 to commemorate the mistake. Lord Sackville's refusal to charge with his cavalry at the decisive moment cost him a court-martial and his honor.