A small silver commemorative medal, known as a Siegespfennig, designed by Daniel Friedrich Loos and struck to commemorate the victory of Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher’s Prussian-Russian Army of Silesia over the French at the Battle of the Katzbach on 26 August 1813.
After hostilities resumed, Napoleon initially led the pursuit of the Army of Silesia in person. When he subsequently departed for Saxony, he entrusted command of the French Army of the Bober to Marshal Jacques MacDonald. Having learned of Napoleon’s departure, Blücher halted his retreat and decided to launch an offensive.
The two armies met in the area between the Katzbach and the Raging Neisse, near Liegnitz and Jauer. The battle was fought during a violent thunderstorm and torrential rain, which restricted visibility, hindered the use of firearms and turned the roads and fields into mud. The fighting rapidly became chaotic, with cavalry charges and bayonet attacks playing an important role.
MacDonald’s forces were routed and compelled to retreat across the swollen rivers. Many French soldiers drowned during the crossings, while the Army of Silesia captured numerous prisoners and a considerable number of guns. The victory counterbalanced the unfavourable news for the Coalition from Dresden and strengthened Blücher’s position as one of the leading commanders in the war against Napoleon.
With a suspension loop and ring.
An interesting memento of one of Blücher’s most important victories, achieved in historic Silesia during the campaign of 1813.
Obverse: the winged Victoria holding a sword and laurel wreath
GOTT SEGNETE DIE VEREINIGTEN HEERE
Reverse: six-line inscription
AN DER / KATZBACH / DURCH / BLÜCHER / D. 26 AUGUST / 1813
Silver, diameter 15 mm, weight 1.38 g
