Prussian Plans:
Frederick has divided his Prussian forces into 4 commands: Prince Henri is attacking Dresden and the Saxon Army - 30,000 men; Keith is facing the Austrians in Silesia in front of Glatz- 20,000 men, a Corps under Bevern is moving on Koniggratz - 20,000 men; and Frederick has a force of about 30,000 men marching on Sterboholy near Prague. It appears that Frederick plans to draw the Austrian Army into a major battle in defense of Prague and Koniggratz.....and hopes to destroy them before conquering all of Bohemia.
Austrian Plans:
The Austrians were taken by surprise by Fredericks moves and were not completely mobilized for war. It will take another month before their forces are ready. But they can't wait...they must protect Prague and Koniggratz...NOW! Or lose their 2 most strategic fortresses. For now there is little chance of saving or aiding the Saxons! There are only 2 Austrian armies currently in the field: 1 of 36,000 men under Browne in Prague, and another of 40,000 men under Prince Charles before Koniggratz.
The Austrians are on the defensive and are begging their allies...the French and Russians to mobilize as quickly as possible. But is doubtful that any allied troops will fight this campaign season.
The Battle of Sterboholy was fought on 7/24/1756 before the village of Sterboholy near Prague.
Prussian OOB: 29,000 men (2,900 figures);
7 Kurassier Regts, 3 Dragoon Regts, 47 sqds., 8,000 cavalry (800 figures)
34 Bns of infantry, 20,000 men (2,000 figures)
16 12lb cannon
Austrian OOB: 30,000 men (3,000 figures);
6 Kurassier Regts, 3 Dragoon Regts, 54 sqds., 7,200 cavalry (720 figures)
30 Bns of infantry, 22,500 men (2,250 figures)
30 12lb cannon
Austrians had 6,000 more men inside Prague as a "reserve".
Below is a picture of the Prussian right flank cavalry...including the Garde du Corps, Gens d'Armes , and Leib Kurassier regts. The "elite" of the Prussian cavalry.
Center of Prussian infantry line. The Garde infantry
Prussian left flank including 5 cavalry regts.
Austrian left flank including 3 Kurassier regts.
Another view of Prussian right flank cavalry.
Left flank of Prussian line. Grenz are stationed in village and woods.
Austrian right flank view.
The Prussian advance
Cavalry charge on both flanks. Infantry advance.
Prussian infantry start to advance to contact.
Firefight in the center between Prussian Garde and Austrian infantry.
Firefight between Prussian infantry regt. No. 3 (Anhalt-Dessau) and Austrians
Cavalry battles continue on both flanks.
Cavalry battle continues on Austrian right flank.
Austrians lose the cavalry battle on their left flank and rout!
Prussians follow-up.
Victorious Prussian cavalry follow-up and begin to charge Austrian infantry.
Another shot of Austrian left flank cavalry rout.
From "Prussian view"
Austrian view of rout!
After Austrians cavalry rout Prussians follow-up and hit Austrian infantry
Under pressure from Prussian cavalry and infantry the Austrians start to retreat!
Austrian and Prussian cavalry continue to fight on the Austrian right flank.
Austrian right flank as battle ends.
Another shot of Austrian right flank. Their excellent "work" on this flank prevented an even bigger Austrian defeat!
Austrians start to withdraw and Prussians follow-up.
The battle is over and the Prussians are victorious. Austrians withdraw into Prague. Prussians and Austrians await reinforcements.
Butcher Bill:
Prussians - cavalry loss-1,200 men (120 figures), infantry losses 1,100 men (110 figures), no guns loss
Austrians- cavalry loss-1,800 men (180 figures), infantry losses 1,200 men (120 figures), 10 guns loss (captured by Prussians). Most of Austrian losses occurred in cavalry rout and retreat of Austrian infantry from field, The Prussian had no hussars available for pursuit!
Strategically a victory for Frederick and Prussians.
Next battle with take place near Koniggratz!
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