Battle of Grijzestad (1663)

The Battle of Grijzestad was a major decisive battle during the Brunanter Civil War in 1663.

Background
The start of the war was not well for the rebels, since the army was still in support of the king, Willem II. All this changed after the Siege of Groenveld Castle (13 May). This long siege undertaken by the rebels under Karl Van Draak demoralized royalist troops, and many deserted the army. Since then, the royalists encountered several defeats, namely at Brunant and Bosterbeck which left them divided. The king, looking to reverse his fortune, decided to launch an attack on the rebel-held capital, Grijzestad.

The battle
On June 17, 1663 about 2900 royalist troops ascended on the Grijzestad plain and assumed positions on the small hill, between the Grijzestad and Yssel rivers. Only 1280 rebel soldiers were there to meet them. Several mistakes made by Willem resulted in his defeat. He had 44 cannons but decided not to take them up the hill. The rebels put their 11 cannons to good use; a heavy bombardment created much damage and confusion among the royalists. A simultaneous flanking of the royalist right side by Bernhard von Reiber and a charge by their cavalry caused some retreats. When the king was shot by a marksman, the whole royalist lines crumbled and an unorganized retreat ensued.