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.
In context
Also in 1759 (4 other events on record)
- Wolfe Takes Quebec on the Plains of Abraham · North America · War
- Voltaire's Candide Published · Europe · Culture
- Quiberon Bay Destroys French Naval Power · Europe · War
- British Museum Opens to the Public · Europe · Culture
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in War
Era
Enlightenment (1651–1800), one of 696 events from that era on Saeculum.