The Battle of Emsdorf in Hesse would remain an unknown, small-scale conflict lost in the depths of History if something unique did not happen during it. The battle pitted two equal forces of about 3,000 men on each side.
In 1760 the Seven Years War was in full swing. In western Germany British forces and forces of their smaller allied states fought mainly against the French. So also at Emsdorf a small force of six British, Hanoverian and Hessian infantry battalions, a small number of light infantry, a few hussars and the British 15th Light Dragoon Regiment , under the Prince of Hesse Kassel Friedrich was up against a force of five French battalions, hussars and light infantry under the German General von Glaubitz.
The aim of the allied force was to disrupt the lines of communication of the French army. The allied force moved cautiously and on 16 July managed to surprise the Geranist mercenaries who made up the French force while the men were having lunch. The French hussars immediately fled without fighting.
However, two of the French infantry battalions managed to form a line of battle, but received the concentrated fire of the six opposing battalions. Von Glaubitz tried to retreat but the hussars and the light infantry of their allies had cut off their retreat. At the same time the 15th Regiment of Light Dragoons under Colonel George Eliot attacked with vigor against the French forces.
The indefatigable British horsemen managed, with continuous maneuvers, to break up all five enemy battalions, although they suffered significant losses. However, the French force was annihilated, losing 2,800 of its 3,000 men. Of these, 1,650 were captured by the men of the 15th Light Dragoon Regiment, including von Glaubitz. The allies lost 186 men of which 125 belonged to the 15th Light Dragoon Regiment. The regiment captured 16 enemy flags. It was one of the most amazing cavalry advances in military history.