August 25, 1758 · Brandenburg (Europe) Theater
August 25, 1758
A Russian army under Fermor invaded Prussia, burning the town of Küstrin and threatening Berlin. Frederick marched to intercept them at Zorndorf. In one of the most brutal battles of the century, Russian troops — renowned for their willingness to stand and fight even when outflanked — refused to break. The battle turned into a grinding, savage engagement lasting the entire day, with both sides taking catastrophic casualties. Frederick held the field but failed to destroy the Russian army.
Commanders