A pivotal engagement within the complexity of the Seven Years’ War, the Battle of Minden occurred on August 1, 1759 and was instrumental in establishing the British infantry as one of the most heavily armed and aggressive in the world. One of many British victories of that year was described at the time as ‘Annus Mirabilis of 1759’, which translated as a ‘year of miracles or wonders’. The war had not begun well for the British and the threat of a French invasion loomed large in 1759 but ended with a string of victories against our old foe across the Channel.
Stuart Reid’s very well-researched book takes time to leads us towards the battle beginning with a chapter on Hastenbeck and the Fall of Cumberland; Ferdinand of Brunswick and the King’s Enemies; The British Army Goes Buccaneering; Highe Germanie; Spring 1759; Approach March; The Battle of Minden and Afterwards. An excellent spread of appendices cover a variety of subjects from orders to casualties and testimonies and accounts.

Military Modelling Magazine

Minden was one of the British victories in the 'Annus Mirabilis (year of victories) of 1759. Thanks to the author and publisher for bringing to light a non-Frederickian history of the Seven years War.

Read the full review here.

A Wargamers Needful Things

The victory at Minden was just one in a number of British successes that year against French forces and overseas territories across the globe. This led to 1759 being described by the British as the Annus Mirabilis – the year of miracles.

Pennant, Forces Pension Society

The victory at Minden was just one in a number of British successes that year against French forces and overseas territories across the globe. This led to 1759 being described by the British as the Annus Mirabilis - the year of miracles.

Mr Reid describes this to perfection in this excellent study of the Seven Year's War's most unlikely victory.

Classic Arms & Militaria, December/January 2017 - reviewed by Bill Harriman