Clermont, who had recently replaced the Duc de Richelieu in command of the French army, is attempting to stem Ferdinand's advance.
He chooses a defensive line on the south side of a walled canal running roughly east and west.
Thus the walled canal constitutes a sort of natural fortification that Clermont thinks will be easy to defend.
The allied Prussian and Hanoverian troops led by the Duke of Brunswick seize the initiative attacking the entrenched defensive French forces.
After feigning an attack against Clermont's own right flank, Ferdinand executes a wide flanking march, crossing the canal out of sight of the French and emerging from a wooded area on Clermont's left flank.
Clermont, who had just sat down for a midday meal, is late in sending reinforcements and, as a result, his left flank is crushed.
The Comte de Gisors, the popular, charismatic, only child of the French minister of war, the Duc de Belle-Isle, is mortally wounded while charging at the head of the French Carabiniers.
The Comte de St. Germain, who commands the French left wing, is nevertheless able to put together a sufficient defense to prevent a complete rout, and the French army retires from the field in relatively good order.
The Erbprinz, son of the Duke of Brunswick who will later die of wounds received at the battle of Jena during the Napoleonic Wars, particularly distinguishes himself commanding the allied flanking troops.
Clermont will ask to be relieved of his command after this defeat, and his wish will be granted.
His successor in command is Marshal de Contades.
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