The Battle of Soor (1745): How Frederick the Great Escaped a Massacre

Text the show! On the morning of September 30, 1745, Frederick the Great faced one of the most perilous moments of his career. The Prussian army, just 22,000 strong, awoke in its Bohemian camp to find Austrian guns positioned on the heights above them — a force twice their size, ready to strike. What followed was a desperate battle of improvisation, aggression, and survival.In this episode of Prime & Load!, we explore how Frederick the Great and the Prussian army clawed their way out of near disaster at the Battle of Soor, turning a potential rout into one of the most remarkable recoveries of the War of the Austrian Succession. We break down the key tactical decisions, the mistakes that nearly doomed him, and the leadership that defined his legend.If you enjoy this episode, text or email us your thoughts — and share it with a friend who loves 18th-century warfare.Want the Uncut Version? We had to cut 20 minutes of details from this episode to fit the time slot. Join us as an Aide-de-Camp on Patreon to hear the "Unsealed Despatches"—the raw, unedited audio where we argue about logistics, personalities, and the details that didn't make the main feed. Support the showGeneral Recommended ReadingThe Military Experience in the Age of Reason, By Christopher DuffyInfantry in Battle 1733-1783, By Alexander Burns*All materials are affiliated links that earn the show commission. Using these links helps support the podcast. Thank you.