Siege of Pirna

Siege of Pirna
Part of the Third Silesian War (Seven Years' War)
Date 10 September – 14 October 1756 Location Pirna, Saxony 50.9670°N 13.9330°E / 50.9670; 13.9330 Result Prussian victory
Belligerents
Prussia	Saxony Habsburg monarchy
Commanders and leaders
Frederick the Great	Frederick von Rutowski Maximilian Ulysses Browne
Strength
62,000	20,076 8,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	15,000 captured 5,000 dead and wounded

Frederick the Great

180km
112miles

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Dresden

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Prague

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  current battle

  First Silesian War

  Second Silesian War

  Third Silesian War

The siege of Pirna (or Investment of Pirna) took place in 1756 as part of the Prussian invasion of Saxony during the Third Silesian War (part of the Seven Years' War).

Following the occupation of the capital Dresden by Frederick the Great on 9 September the Saxon army had withdrawn south and taken up position at the fortress of Pirna under Frederick von Rutowski. The Saxons hoped to receive relief from the Austrian army which was across the border in neighbouring Bohemia under Marshal Browne.

Following the Battle of Lobositz the Austrians withdrew, and tried to approach Pirna by a different route but they failed to make contact with the defenders. Despite a Saxon attempt to escape by crossing the River Elbe, it soon became apparent that their position was hopeless. On 14 October Rutowski concluded a capitulation with Frederick.

In total 18,000 troops surrendered. They were swiftly and forcibly incorporated into the Prussian forces, an act which caused widespread protest even from Prussians. Many of them later deserted and fought with the Austrians against the Prussian forces - with whole regiments changing sides at the Battle of Prague.

Bibliography

• Dull, Jonathan R. The French Navy and the Seven Years' War. University of Nebraska Press, 2005.
• Jacques, Tony. Dictionary of Battles and Sieges. Greenwood Press, 2007.
• Szabo, Franz A.J. The Seven Years War in Europe, 1756-1763. Pearson, 2008.