Siege of Glatz

The Siege of Glatz took place in 1760 during the Third Silesian War (part of the Seven Years' War) when an Austrian force led by General von Laudon laid siege to and successfully stormed the fortress of Glatz (Czech: Kladsko, Polish: Kłodzko) from its Prussian garrison.

Siege of Glatz
Part of the Third Silesian War (Seven Years' War)
Date 7 June–26 July 1760 Location Glatz, Prussian Silesia Result Austrian victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Prussia	Austria
Commanders and leaders
Bartholomäus d'O	General von Laudon
Strength
3,200
Casualties and losses
700 casualties 2,500 prisoners	214 casualties

On 6 June Loudon surrounded Glatz, but he had to wait until heavy artillery was brought from Olmütz (Olomouc) in neighbouring Moravia. While waiting, Loudon received information about the approach of a Prussian force under Fouqué. With his much larger force Loudon moved to intercept the smaller force, forcing Fouqué to surrender at the Battle of Landeshut on 23 June.[1]

Loudon then returned his attentions to the siege of Glatz. The arrival of his heavy artillery had allowed the siege to properly begin on 20 July and a trench had been dug. Once the guns had weakened the defences Loudon was able to organise volunteers to storm the city, opening the gates and allowing the remainder of the Austrian army to enter.[2]

Aftermath

Following a series of extensive manoeuvres and several heavy battles the during 1760 Glatz ultimately remained the only territory captured by the Austrian and their allies leaving the situation almost unchanged since a year before.[3]

The Prussian commander Colonel Bartholomäus d'O was taken prisoner by the Austrians. Following his release at the end of the war he was tried and executed by Frederick the Great as a punishment for losing Glatz.[4]

References

1. Szabo p.279-80
2. Szabo p.283
3. Szabo p.324
4. Szabo p.284

Bibliography

• Szabo, Franz A.J. (2008). The Seven Years War in Europe, 1757-1763. Pearson.