WAR OF THE.) In snowy weather each army was for some time in ignorance of the other's whereabouts, but Frederick eventually located the Austrians in the village of Mollwitz. He got to within 2 m. of them before they were alarmed; then solemnly formed his army in the usual two lines, with cavalry on the flanks, and advanced in parade order with bands playing. Neipperg sent his cavalry under ROmer to delay the Prussians while he drew up his own army, his right on the boggy Langwitz stream, his left on Griiningen. He had 20,000 men, including 8,600 excellent cavalry, but only 18 guns. Frederick's army was similarly formed and of equal strength, but he had only 4,00o indifferent cavalry ; he had, however, 6o guns. His cavalry on the right, under Schiilenburg, had crowded into the infantry, which had to throw back three battalions en potence, a formation which later proved valuable. At 2 P.M. on April 1o, 1741, the Prussian guns opened fire on the Austrian army, which was still forming up. The fire was severe and Romer decided that the best way to avoid it was to attack. He launched 3o squadrons against Schiilenburg's ten and swept them headlong from the field. Frederick was involved in their rout and was persuaded by his lieutenant, Schwerin, to save himself in flight. The Austrian cavalry now turned upon the Prussian foot
but found themselves faced by a very different proposition. Twenty years of drill had given Frederick's infantry a steadiness and fire control that no cavalry could shake. Five times Romer hurled his gallant squadrons against their ranks, on one occasion attacking the second line from the rear; five times they were driven off with heavy loss, Ri5mer himself being killed. Neipperg sent forward Goldlein's infantry, but they could not face the rapid fire of the Prussians, with their new iron ramrods. Seeing his enemy waver, and knowing his own ammunition to be failing, Schwerin, now in command, ordered the advance. In perfect formation, with colours flying and bands playing, the Prussian infantry bore down upon the demoralized Austrians, and Neipperg wisely anticipated a rout by ordering a retreat. Weak in cavalry, Schwerin made no effective pursuit. The Austrians lost 4,400 men and nine guns, the Prussians 4,613 and one gun. Frederick's own share in this, his first battle, scarcely foreshadowed his future glory.