Hussar armies holding their ground
in the birthplace of the Danube Monarchy (Kolín, June 18, 1757)
The Third Silesian War or Seven Years' War (1756-63) stands out among the dynastic wars fought in the eighteeth century for the succession of the Hapsburg House. The most memorable of the many significant battles of that long armed conflict is associated with the name of the town of Kolín in Bohemia. The relatively few battle histories have emphasized the political aspects, celebrating the victory of the Austrian forces over the Prussians as the birth of the Danube Monarchy. At the same time, however, this battle was of utmost significance in the history of warfare since it was the first time that Frederick II, who developed linear tactics and ingenuously used the slanted battle array, and who personally led his forces in battle, was defeated. The general's rule of thumb of his opponent, Field Marshal Count Leopold Daun was the first condition of victory. Recognizing the intention of the enemy to give battle, and himself being ready for it, he arranged his troops in an advantageous defensive position, personally continuously observing the Prussian deployment from a perfect observation post. With the movement of the enemy's movements constantly in view, he redirected the Austrian troops as needed, especially to firmly reinforce his right wing threatened by the slanted battle array, which became obvious after a time. With this he prevented the enemy from breaking through, thwarting its attampt at turning and rolling up his defensive line. Indeed, he managed, after repelling the assault, with forceful counterthrusts to break through Frederick's line, which was suffering increasing losses and attacking with growing desperation. Hungarian units played a significant role in the Hapsburg triumph. Most significant of these was the detached contingent under the command of Cavalry General Count Ferenc Nádasdy, consisting of the 49 squadrons of eleven cavalry regiments of the permanent army and three cavalry regiments from the military frontiers. This unit from the beginning constantly tied down the advance guard of the enemy on the threatened right flank, and then intervening in every critical situation made the execution of the Prussian slanted battle array impossible. In close combat, the thirteen battalions and two grenadier companies from two Hungarian infantry regiments of the permanent army and five regiments of the military frontiers stood their ground as well as the hussars, always deployed by the Hapsburg leadership in the most dangerous sectors. Thus, it was a feat outstanding in Hungarian military history as well, demonstrating the decisive role light troops played in regular battle. It was to commemorate that triumph that Marie Theresie founded the military order named after herself (Der Maria-Theresia-Orden). The first decorated with this order for their outstanding military performance, and for their significant exploits undertaken voluntarily in that battle included a number of Hungarians, such as Cavalry General Count Ferenc Nádasdy, Major General András Hadik, nobleman, Major General Fülöp Beck, gentleman, who received the great cross, and Major General Count Miklós Esterházy, Colonel József Sinkovics, gentleman, and Major Zsigmond Kerekes, nobleman, awarded the small cross.
