Background
Austria sought to regain Silesia, which had been lost to Prussia in the Battle of Mollwitz. An Austrian army of about 62,500, including allied Saxon troops marched to Silesia. The commander was Prince Charles Alexander of Lorraine, brother-in-law of Empress Maria Theresa. The Duke of Weissenfels commanded the Saxons.
Frederick had a very low opinion of his counterpart, saying of Prince Charles Alexander that "there will be some stupid mistakes." In fact, Frederick was counting on Charles entering Silesia by crossing the Riesengebirge (Giant Mountains). If he did, Frederick intended to pounce on the Austrian army and crush it in one decisive blow. Von Zieten's hussars shadowed the Austrian army, keeping Frederick informed of their position as he awaited the right moment to strike that blow. When the Prince finally did cross in early June, Frederick saw his opportunity to attack.
The Austrian army marched some 50 km northeast from the Riesengebirge to Striegau (now Strzegom). They encamped near Striegau, with the Saxons just northwest of the town at Pilgrimshain and the Austrians spreading out west and south to the village of Hohenfriedberg . Their front was covered by the Striegau River, which ran north and then west through Striegau town. The Prussian army was camped south of the town.
Frederick's scouts located the Austro-Saxon forces. Frederick decided to march north with his whole force, right in front of the Austrians, cross the Striegau by a bridge just west of town, and attack the Saxons first. With the Saxons routed, Frederick would then roll up the Austrian line from east to west. He also decided to march by night, concealing his movement, and thus surprise the Saxons. His commander Richard de Moulin led the march.
To achieve surprise, Frederick ordered his troops to leave their campfires burning and tents pitched, and forbade them to talk or smoke during the march.
Read more about this topic: Battle Of Hohenfriedberg
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