Hans Joachim Von Zieten - Seven Years' War

Seven Years' War

When the Seven Years' War broke out in 1756, Zieten had just been made lieutenant-general. At Reichenberg and at Prague, he held important commands, and at the disastrous Battle of Kolin (June 18, 1757) his left wing of cavalry was the only victorious corps of troops. At Leuthen, one of the most brilliant battles of the 18th century, Zieten's cavalry began the fighting and completed the rout of the Austrians. In June 1758 he was sent to protect a convoy with supplies for the army besieging Olmütz, but could not prevent it from being completely destroyed at Domstadtl. Despite that he continued, during the whole of the war, to be one of Frederick's most trusted generals.

One of the few errors committed by Zieten in his military career was his misdirection of the frontal attack at Torgau, but he made up for this mistake by his assault on the Siptitz heights, which eventually decided the day.