Concerning the Marquis of Granby, he wrote: "Had he (Lord Granby) been at the head of the cavalry of the Royal King, his presence would, I am persuaded, have greatly contributed to have made our success more complete and more brilliant."
Emsdorff, July 16, 1760.
This distinction is borne only by the
15th Hussars,
and commemorates their association with a body of German troops in Prince Ferdinand's campaign against the French, the opening action of which was Minden. A French division, consisting of six battalions with a regiment of hussars, was surprised by a force of similar strength under Prince Ferdinand, and by sundown the "King's" Hussars had gained for the Allies a glorious victory. It was to the 15th, and to the 15th alone, that the credit of the day was due. It was their baptême de feu, and well may they pride themselves on their conduct at Emsdorff. Their gallantry was the theme of the whole army, and the recollection of it has stood them in good stead on many a hard-fought field. As Fortescue so generously writes: "The traditions of charging home remained with the regiment, and doubtless remains with it to this day."
In his official despatch Prince Ferdinand bears high testimony to the very distinguished services rendered by the 15th. After describing the action and the conduct of the troops generally, the Prince wrote: "Particularly to Eliott's regiment, which was allowed by everybody present to have done wonders.
"H.S.H. the Prince could not enough commend to the Duke the bravery, good conduct, and good countenance, with which that regiment fought."
In addition to the 15th, a regiment of Hanoverian cavalry and five battalions of Hanoverian infantry were engaged at Emsdorff, their total casualties being 8 men killed, 2 officers and 52 men wounded. The total losses of the French were never ascertained, but that evening the prisoners numbered 2 Generals and 177 other officers, with 2,482 non-commissioned officers and men, whilst 9 stand of colours and 5 guns remained in our hands. The 15th have good reason to be proud of the battle honour "Emsdorff." Their casualties were 2 officers and 73 non-commissioned officers and men killed, 2 officers and 48 of other ranks wounded, their casualties in horses being 168 killed and wounded.