SYW002
First Legion
Fought from 1756 through 1763, the war involved most of the major world powers and was fought not only in Europe, but throughout various colonial holdings around the world. Though First Legion will cover the European part of the conflict in detail, they have decided to start off with the
Battle of Kunersdorf fought on August 12th 1759 between the Prussians and a combined Austro-Russian Army.
Kunersdorf was by far Frederick the Great's worst defeat and in fact was the biggest fiasco of Prussian Military until 1806 at the twin battles of Jena-Auerstadt. It was a battle that Frederick won in the morning, but then lost in the afternoon as he continued to press the attack over the vehement protests of his generals. The Prussians fought through poor terrain, against strong allied positions, and in extremely hot weather. The Prussian attacks finally ground to a halt due to a combination of fierce resistance along with the thirst and exhaustion of the Prussian troops. When the Austro-Russian force counterattacked the Prussian army dissolved.
The regiment carried the national flag as well as their own colors, as seen here.