The Battle Of Kunersdorf

August 12, 1759

Kunersdorf (a settlement in the Brandenburg province) has become a place of a battle in the time critical for Prussia during the advancement of Russian army towards Berlin. The Russians stood before the gates of Frankfurt on the right bank of Oder. Friedrich, approachin from the South passed them by, then crossed the river and led a surrounding attack from South-East. At the first effect his attack proved to be quite effective. But Russian front had such a strong cover formed by pools and streams that Friedrich could not fully profit from his cavalry of 13000 units. Under command of P.S.Saltykov russian army withstood all attacks of Prussian infantry and Seidlitz cavalry (best in Europe) and took offencive. Soon the Prussian regiments were overturned. Cavalry led by P.A.Rumiantsev showed an especially dramatic action. The outcome of that battle was terribly hard for the Prussian side. Friedrich, having hardly escaped being take captive, was content to commiting suicide. The Russians took Berlin in 1760.