Fought in Hesse, Germany, on 16 July 1760, the Battle of Emsdorf was a clash between French and Anglo-Hanoverian forces. Evenly numbered at c.3,000 troops on each side, the ‘French’ soldiers were actually Germans in French service who were commanded by Baron Christian-Sigismund von Glaubwitz. The opposing force, which was led by Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel was also primarily German with Hanoverian and Hessian troops. Only one unit in Frederick’s force was British: the 15th Light Dragoons.
Dragoons were mounted infantry that were trained in combat with swords and firearms. At Emsdorf, the disciplined 15th Light Dragoons surprised the French in their camp and conducted several charges as the enemy retreated in disorder. The French suffered 2,600 casualties, with over 1,650 of those being captured. By contrast, the Anglo-Hanoverians…