FIGHTING DURING THE BLOCKADE
OF GLOGAU
2 September 1813
translated by Geert van Uythoven
“During a reconnaissance of the Glogau fortress,
on 2 September 1813, by a detachment of the Corps of General von Krauseneck,
Cavalry-Captain von Valtier – former District Brigadier in Upper Silesia – led the
advance guard. When he arrived in the vicinity of the fortress, he discovered
an enemy infantry detachment consisting of an officer with a hundred men, which
covered a substantial herd of cattle. At the same moment, the enemy spotted the
advance guard, and Cavalry-Captain Valtier had not to lose a moment. He had
only two officers – the Lieutenants von König and Von Hacke – and 24 horse with
him, but in order not to lose the moment of surprise he could not afford to
wait for support. Although outnumbered four to one, he decided to charge with
all force immediately. Despite the odds, the attack succeeded. Of the enemy
three men were killed, several wounded, and an officer and eighty men were
taken prisoner. In addition, the whole herd, consisting of about 750 cattle,
was captured.
His Majesty the King rewarded
Cavalry-Captain von Valtier and Lieutenant von König with the Iron Cross 2nd
Class.”
Source: Anonymous, “Relation eines Avantgarden-Gefechts, als
Beitrag zur geschichte des Krieges von 1813/’14, deren Wahrheit von dem
Einsender verbürgt wird”, in Militair-Wochenblatt, 3. Jahrgang (Berlin 1818), pp.
496-497.
© Geert van Uythoven