Siege of Pirna
1756 CE.
Shown on the map at 50.967°, 13.933°.
The Siege of Pirna, sometimes referred to as the Investment of Pirna, took place from 10 September to 14 October 1756 as part of the Prussian invasion of Saxony during the Third Silesian War (part of the Seven Years' War). Following the occupation of Dresden by Frederick the Great on 9 September 1756, the Saxon army under Frederick von Rutowski had withdrawn southeast and taken up position at the fortified camp of Pirna. The position was tactically strong, as the steep terrain, fortresses, and defensive works added protection, leaving Frederick with no option but to isolate and starve the Saxon army into surrendering. As a result, Frederick encircled the camp and blocked outside support. The Saxons hoped to receive relief from the Austrian army, which was across the border in neighbouring Bohemia under Marshal Browne. Following the Battle of Lobositz, the Austrians withdrew and tried to approach Pirna by a different route, but they failed to make contact with the defenders. Despite a Saxon attempt to escape by crossing the River Elbe, it soon became apparent that their position was hopeless.
Text from the Wikipedia article Siege of Pirna, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.