The fighting in Europe during the Seven Years War hung in the balance.
After initial successes the Austro-French forces had been driven back
across the Rhine. With the opposing sides reinforcing their armies, the
campaign of 1759 was going to prove decisive. Britain and her German
allies met the French at Minden in Germany. Due to a misunderstanding of
orders the British infantry actually attacked and dispersed the French
cavalry. That action is still commemorated on 1 August each year with
the wearing of roses by the infantry and artillery regiments whose
predecessors picked flowers and put them in their coats as they passed
through German gardens on the way to the battle. By contrast Lord
Sackville, who commanded the British cavalry, was accused of ignoring
orders to charge the retreating French which could have turned defeat
into rout. He was court-martialled and cashiered. The victory at Minden
was just one in a number of British successes that years against French
forces and overseas territories across the globe. This led to 1759
being described by the British as the Annus Mirabilis the year of
miracles.
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