Battle of Rheinfelden
Thirty Years' War · Rheinfelden, on the Rhine (Germany/Switzerland)
Summary
Double engagement in February-March 1638 at Rheinfelden (Rhine): Bernard of Saxe-Weimar, leading French and Protestant troops, regained the initiative after an initial setback crossing the Rhine and defeated Johann von Werth on 2 March, taking 3,000 prisoners and strengthening allied control of the river.
Historical context
The Battles of Rheinfelden took place on 28 February and 2 March 1638 during the Thirty Years' War, between French auxiliary troops led by Bernard of Saxe-Weimar and Bavarian forces commanded by Johann von Werth. France had agreed to pay for Bernard's troops, but irregular payments in winter 1637-1638 left him with only about 4,000 men.
Tactics
Bernard was first surprised while crossing the Rhine but managed to break free despite losing Salm-Kyrburg and Rohan. On 2 March he recrossed the river, surprised Werth's rearguard and inflicted a heavy defeat through cavalry charges and close combat supported by artillery, capturing 3,000 men.
Consequences
After being surprised crossing the Rhine and losing two commanders (Salm-Kyrburg and Henri II de Rohan, mortally wounded), Bernard recrossed the river three days later, fell on the Bavarian rearguard and took 3,000 prisoners. The victory consolidated the Protestant and French allied position on the upper Rhine.