"The Battle of Königgrätz Revisited" Topic

"The largest and most one–sided battle of the nineteenth century? Well, the first part of the statement is correct. There were more troops on the field of Königgrätz than any other battle, prior to it or after it until the battle of Mukden (20th February–10th March 1905). Even the greatest battle of the century thus far, Leipzig in 1813, also known as the Battle of Nations, in which, on the final day of the battle the troops on both sides numbered, after losses sustained during the previous days fighting, some 420,000 men engaged, still fell short of the 430,000 plus who stood on the field of Königgrätz.

As far as the one–sidedness of the conflict is concerned, and not just the battle itself, but the whole campaign, when the casualties on both sides are compared, plus the rapidity of the Austrian collapse within seven weeks, make it appear that they were on a hiding to nothing in the first place. However, their archaic tactics and much criticised inferior infantry armament should not be taken as the sole reasons for their defeat. Indeed the early stages of the campaign, had the Austrian high command been led by generals better qualified and more offensively minded, could have changed the whole course of the war.

The military and political arrangement of both Austria and Prussia leading up to the outbreak of hostilities has been dealt with in much detail not only by Professor Gordon A.Craig in his excellent account of the campaign and battle, The Battle of Königgrätz published in 1964, but also at great length in two more recent accounts of the conflict-Quintin Barry's work, The Road to Königgrätz. Helmuth von Moltke and the Austro-Prussian War 1866 (published in 2010) and Geoffrey Wawro's, The Austro-Prussian War. Austria's War with Prussia and Italy in 1866 (published in 1996). Therefore I have only given a brief outline of events leading up to the main battle of the campaign, which I will endeavour to explain in some depth by using material not only from the above mentioned books and other sources, but also by utilising much new information gathered while visiting the site earlier this year. Dr Bob's panoramas taken from over twenty locations around the site will, I feel, aid the reader immensely when trying to imagine what took place during this epic battle. A further trip to the Czech Republic is proposed for 2015 in order to visit the sites of other engagements that occurred prior to Königgrätz; thereafter it is hoped that we will be able to compile a complete account, in words and pictures, of the events that took place in Bohemia in 1866…"
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Amicalement
Armand

What a find. This is really clever. I wonder how many other battlefields are covered this way?

Great find! One of my favorite periods. I just wish I could see the whole movie that the still photo comes from……a documentary movie only viewable at the museum in Czech Republic.
Thanks!

Happy you enjoyed it my friends! (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

For a battlefield walker the campaign of 1866 in Bohemia can hardly be equalled. A week's campaigning saw 7 major battles (Nachod, Trautenau, Jicin, Skalitz, Soor, Schweinschadel, Koniggratz), plus Podol, Munchengratz, and Koniginhof, all within a couple of hours' drive of each other. They are largely untouched, well sign posted, and set in some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe, replete with delightful, inexpensive, accommodation in charming towns, combined with hearty food and fabulous beer. I have spent many happy weeks touring this area over the last twenty years, and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Many thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

I thought I read that Solferino laid claim to being the largest battle since Leipzig.

VF. It probably was, when it was fought in 1859, with some 300,000 participants. However Koniggratz was fought seven years later, and with well over 400,000 participants took the crown!