BATTLE // June 29, 1864

Battle of Als

Name: Battle of Als
Start: 1864-06-29
End: 1864-06-29
Location: Battle of Als

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Significance

The Battle of Als was the final major engagement of the Second Schleswig War. Prussian forces under General Herwarth von Bittenfeld overran the island of Als, which had been held by Danish troops including the garrison that had previously retreated from Dybbøl. The fall of Als removed Denmark's last significant defensive position in the conflict and effectively ended organized Danish military resistance, closing the war in Prussia's favor. Danish casualties stood at 1,878 against a Prussian force more than twice the size of the defending garrison.

Tactics

The Prussian seizure of Als was executed as a night attack, planned by Chief of Staff Leonhard Graf von Blumenthal. Beyond the timing and the role of Blumenthal in masterminding the operation, the overview does not detail specific maneuvers, unit dispositions, or terrain use employed during the crossing or fighting on the island.