Battle of Leuthen

December 5, 1757 · Silesia (Europe) Theater

Phases

1. 1Phase 1 — The Feint at NippernDecember 5, 1757 — 11:00 AM
2. 2Phase 2 — The Oblique StrikeDecember 5, 1757 — 1:00 PM
3. 3Phase 3 — The Leuthen ChoraleDecember 5, 1757 — 3:00–5:00 PM

December 5, 1757 — 11:00 AM

Frederick's advance guard launches a noisy demonstration against the Austrian right flank at Nippern, in the north. Austrian commander Prince Charles concentrates his reserves toward the north, convinced the main attack is coming there. Meanwhile, Frederick's main army — screened by low hills called the Schleierberg — begins a swift silent march south along the Schweidnitz road, invisible to the Austrians.

• ●Austrian defensive line — 65,000 men entrenched on 3-mile front
• ➤Prussian feint — advance guard attacks Austrian right at Nippern
• ➤Prussian main army — secret march south behind the hills
• ●Schleierberg hills — screen for the hidden march
• ●Nippern — Austrian right; reserves concentrated here by feint