October Surprise

Following his costly victory over the Russians at Zorndorf, Frederick encamped his army in an exposed position at Hochkirk, where they drew supplies. Against better advice, Frederick remained. In the Austrian camp, Franz von Lacy convinced Daun to attack. Lacy’s …

1758-10-14

FW07

Following his costly victory over the Russians at Zorndorf, Frederick encamped his army in an exposed position at Hochkirk, where they drew supplies. Against better advice, Frederick remained. In the Austrian camp, Franz von Lacy convinced Daun to attack. Lacy’s plan was complicated, but the reformed Austrian army proved to be up the task. At dawn they struck, eventually crumpling both of Frederick’s flanks. The Prussians managed to escape destruction through the efforts of Jacobite hero James Keith, who perished in the fighting. Unlike Kolín, Frederick took responsibility for his defeat. Daun did not pursue the dispirited Prussians. However, having captured over 100 cannons and six generals, he was rightfully lauded for his victory

Hochkirch, Saxony

The Battle of Hochkirch took place on 14 October 1758, during the Third Silesian War (part of the Seven Years' War). After several weeks of maneuvering for position, an Austrian army of 80,000 commanded by Lieutenant Field Marshal Leopold Josef Graf Daun surprised the Prussian army of 30,000–36,000 commanded by Frederick the Great. The Austrian army overwhelmed the Prussians and forced a general retreat. The battle took place in and around the village of Hochkirch, 9 kilometers (6 mi) east of Bautzen, Saxony. Historians generally consider the battle as among Frederick's greatest blunders. Contrary to the advice of his subordinates, he refused to believe that the typically cautious Austrian commander Leopold von Daun would bring his troops into battle. The Austrian force ambushed his army in a pre-dawn attack. Over 30% of Frederick's army was defeated; five generals were killed and he lost his artillery park and a vast quantity of supplies. Although Daun had scored a complete surprise, his attempt to pursue the retreating Prussians was unsuccessful. The escaped force united with another corps in the vicinity, and regained momentum over the winter.

Wikipedia: Battle of Hochkirch

Prussian

Austrian