Ten battalions under General Johann Georg von…
November 1757 CE
Ten battalions under General Johann Georg von Lestwitz remain behind in the fortress of Breslau following the withdrawal of the Prussian army.
The Austrians immediately lay siege under the direction of General Nádasdy.
The Austrian-minded population of Breslau makes the Prussians’ defense very difficult, as not only do Breslau’s citizens pressure Lestwitz to vacate the fortress but they also aid any Prussian deserters.
Prussian morale is extremely low due to their defeat on the battlefield and the high proportion of conscripts serving in the army.
Discipline almost collapses.
Lestwitz therefore surrenders on the night of November 25 on condition of being allowed to withdraw unhindered.
Out of the four thousand two hundred and twenty-seven Prussian soldiers, only five hundred and ninety-nine of them beginthe march to Glogau; the rest desert.
Due to these events, Fredrick II is forced to completely change his campaign plans.
However, he remain determined to attack the Austrian army to tear Silesia away from them.
In order to continue the war, Prussia must now rely on Silesia for both finance and future recruits.