When did the Battle of Heilsberg take place?
The Battle of Heilsberg took place on the 2nd of June 1807. Fighting continued until darkness fell when French forces withdrew behind Spuibach stream.
Questions about Battle of Heilsberg
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the Russian and Prussian forces at the Battle of Heilsberg?
Levin August von Bennigsen led the combined Russian and Prussian army during the Battle of Heilsberg. Ludwig August von Stutterheim commanded the Prussian 21st Fusiliers garrison within the Teutonic Castle fortifications.
Where was the Battle of Heilsberg fought geographically?
The battle unfolded along the Alle river which modern maps label as the Lyna. Russian defenders held the Teutonic Castle atop elevated ground that rose sharply from the river base creating natural obstacles for attacking forces.
How many casualties occurred during the Battle of Heilsberg?
French official claims listed 1,398 dead, 10,059 wounded, and 864 captured soldiers while Russian sources estimate between 6,000 total casualties or 2,000 to 3,000 dead plus 5,000 to 6,000 wounded. Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult's IV Corps suffered the worst losses with 8,286 casualties including Chief of Staff François Xavier Roussel who died.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Heilsberg?
Both sides called an undocumented truce on the 11th of June following heavy losses on both fronts. The strategic result remained inconclusive since neither side gained significant ground or altered the balance of power before the decisive Battle of Friedland ended the War of the Fourth Coalition through the Treaty of Tilsit four days later.