The Siege of Pilsen, a significant event during the Thirty Years' War, commenced on 19 September 1618 when Ernst von Mansfeld, leading the forces of the Bohemian Protestants, reached the fortified city of Pilsen in Bohemia. Following the Defenestration of Prague on 23 May 1618, which saw Protestant nobles overthrow King Ferdinand II, the city became a refuge for Catholic nobles and priests fleeing the Protestant uprising. Although Pilsen was well-prepared for a siege, its defenses were undermanned, and the defenders faced shortages of gunpowder and food. Mansfeld aimed to capture the city before external support could arrive for the defenders.

The Protestant army initially faced challenges in launching a direct assault due to its limited strength. Instead, Mansfeld opted for a strategy of attrition, seeking to starve the city into submission. On 2 October, Protestant artillery arrived, but its limited caliber and number proved ineffective against the city walls. As the siege progressed, the defenders' situation worsened; the main well was destroyed, and potable water supplies dwindled. On 21 November, after weeks of siege, the Protestant forces breached the walls and entered the city. Following intense hand-to-hand combat, Mansfeld's troops secured control of Pilsen within hours.

After the capture, Mansfeld demanded 120,000 golden guldens in war reparations and an additional 47,000 florins to spare the city from destruction. This victory bolstered the Bohemian Revolt, but it also prompted a response from the Holy Roman Empire, led by Bavaria, which began mobilizing forces to reclaim the territory. The newly elected Bohemian king, Frederick V of the Palatinate, recognized the overwhelming strength of the advancing enemy and attempted to regroup his forces. However, he faced abandonment from many allies, leading to the dispersion of his troops and ultimately a decisive defeat at the Battle of White Mountain.

The Battle of Lomnice, fought on 9 November 1618, was a significant engagement during the Bohemian phase of the Thirty Years' War. The conflict pitted the Habsburg Roman Catholic forces, commanded by Charles Bonaventure de Longueval, Count of Bucquoy, against the Protestant army led by Jindřich Matyáš Thurn. The battle occurred in southern Bohemia, near the village of Lomnice nad Lužnicí, following a series of events that began with the Defenestration of Prague on 23 May 1618, when Bohemian Protestant nobles rebelled against King Ferdinand, heir to Holy Roman Emperor Matthias, by throwing the Catholic governors from a window at Prague Castle.

As Bucquoy's army advanced towards Prague, it faced delays due to a Protestant force that engaged it near Čáslav, leading to supply issues and illness that forced Bucquoy to withdraw. Thurn, seeking to capitalize on this situation, pursued Bucquoy and engaged his forces near Lomnice. The Habsburg troops, positioned between two ponds, were vulnerable and suffered significant casualties from the Protestant artillery. Bucquoy's forces sustained losses of at least 1,500 men during the confrontation, which ultimately resulted in a defeat for the Habsburg army.

Following the battle, the main body of the Habsburg forces was compelled to retreat from Bohemia. Despite their victory, the Protestant forces did not pursue Bucquoy's army, thereby missing a critical opportunity to further weaken their Catholic adversaries and consolidate their gains in the region.

The Siege of Budweis commenced on 20 September 1619, during the Thirty Years' War, when the Protestant forces of the Bohemian Revolt, led by Count Heinrich von Mansfeld, sought to capture the strategically significant city of Budweis, located in present-day Czech Republic. The city was defended by a garrison of approximately 1,200 Imperial troops under the command of Colonel Georg von Degenfeld. The siege was marked by the deployment of heavy artillery, with Mansfeld's forces bringing around 30 cannons to bear against the city's fortifications.

Throughout the siege, which lasted until 24 October 1619, Mansfeld's troops conducted a series of assaults and bombardments aimed at breaching the city walls. The defenders, despite being outnumbered, mounted a determined resistance, utilizing the city's fortifications to repel several attacks. The siege saw significant casualties on both sides, although exact numbers remain unclear. The defenders managed to inflict heavy losses on the besieging forces, but the prolonged nature of the siege strained their resources and morale.

On 24 October 1619, after weeks of sustained pressure and dwindling supplies, the garrison of Budweis capitulated. The terms of surrender allowed the defenders to leave the city with their arms, while Mansfeld's forces took control of Budweis, marking a significant gain for the Protestant cause in the early stages of the Thirty Years' War. The capture of the city provided a strategic foothold for Mansfeld and his allies in the ongoing conflict.

The Battle of Sablat occurred on 10 June 1619, during the Bohemian phase of the Thirty Years' War, involving a confrontation between the Roman Catholic Imperial army, commanded by Charles Bonaventure de Longueval, Count of Bucquoy, and the Protestant forces led by Ernst von Mansfeld. The battle took place near the village of Záblatí, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of České Budějovice, as Mansfeld was en route to support General Hohenlohe, who was besieging the city.

Bucquoy intercepted Mansfeld's troops, engaging them in battle. The Imperial forces, utilizing superior tactics and positioning, managed to defeat Mansfeld's army decisively. The Protestant forces suffered significant losses, with at least 1,500 infantry killed or captured, alongside the loss of their baggage train. This defeat compelled the Bohemian forces to abandon the siege of České Budějovice, marking a strategic victory for the Imperial army in the ongoing conflict.

The battle exemplified the intense military engagements characteristic of the Thirty Years' War, highlighting the shifting dynamics of power between the Catholic and Protestant factions in Central Europe during this period.

The Battle of Wisternitz, also known as Dolní Věstonice, occurred on 5 August 1619 during the Thirty Years' War. The engagement pitted a Moravian force of the Bohemian Confederation, commanded by Friedrich von Tiefenbach and supported by Ladislav Velen ze Žerotín, against a Habsburg army led by Henri de Dampierre. The battle unfolded after the Habsburgs had secured control over southern Bohemia, following their victory at Sablat, which compelled the Bohemian forces to lift the siege of České Budějovice. Georg Friedrich of Hohenlohe-Neuenstein-Weikersheim had retreated to Soběslav on 15 June 1619, awaiting reinforcements from Count Heinrich Matthias von Thurn.

Dampierre's forces advanced into Moravia, which had aligned with the Bohemian rebels. The Moravian troops, numbering approximately 3,000, engaged Dampierre's contingent, which was estimated to be around 4,000 strong. The battle commenced with a series of skirmishes, where the Moravian forces utilized their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage. The engagement culminated in a decisive confrontation, resulting in a significant defeat for Dampierre, who suffered heavy casualties, although specific numbers are not documented. The Moravian victory at Wisternitz effectively secured Moravia for the Bohemian cause.

This battle marked a critical moment in the early stages of the Thirty Years' War, as it reinforced the position of the Bohemian Confederation against the Habsburgs. The defeat of Dampierre's forces not only bolstered the morale of the Bohemian rebels but also solidified their control over Moravia, contributing to the ongoing conflict between the two factions.

The Battle of Humenné occurred from 22 to 23 November 1619 near Humenné in eastern Slovakia, during the early phase of the Thirty Years' War. The conflict involved the Transylvanian army, led by George Rákóczi, and a coalition of Hungarian and Polish forces, primarily composed of the Lisowczycy cavalry under the command of Walenty Rogawski. The Polish contingent, numbering approximately 8,000, was hired by George Drugeth, who commanded an additional 3,000 troops, resulting in a combined force of around 11,000 soldiers, although this figure is subject to debate.

The battle commenced on the evening of 22 November when the Lisowczycy engaged Rákóczi's forces in the Carpathian Mountains. Initial disarray among Rogawski's cavalry led to a fragmented formation. On 23 November, Rákóczi ordered his infantry to pillage the enemy camp, which provided Rogawski the opportunity to regroup his forces. In a surprise maneuver, the Polish cavalry launched an unexpected attack against the Transylvanians, compelling Rákóczi to retreat shortly thereafter. The engagement concluded with a decisive victory for the Polish forces.

The defeat of Rákóczi forced Gábor Bethlen, the Prince of Transylvania, to abandon the siege of Vienna and redirect his troops back to Bratislava. In response to the situation, he dispatched approximately 12,000 cavalry under George Széchy to secure northern Hungary against further incursions. This battle played a significant role in the broader conflict, as the Polish intervention effectively thwarted the Transylvanian advance towards Vienna, marking a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Thirty Years' War.

The Siege of Kreuznach occurred on 10 September 1620, during the Thirty Years' War, when the Army of Flanders, commanded by Don Ambrosio Spinola, engaged the forces of Frederick V, Elector of the Palatinate. Spinola's multinational army, numbering approximately 25,000 soldiers, had been advancing through the Lower Palatinate since early September, capturing key locations such as Bad Kreuznach and Oppenheim. On the night of 10 September, Field Marshal Don Carlos II Coloma, leading two Tercios of infantry totaling around 5,000 men and supported by 300 cavalry, approached Kreuznach, which was strategically significant due to its fortified bridge over the Nahe River and the Kauzenburg Castle that overlooked the town.

Upon arrival, Coloma sent emissaries to the town's authorities, offering favorable treatment if they surrendered to Emperor Ferdinand II. The defenders, consisting of three companies of infantry and one of cavalry, hesitated in their response. In response, Coloma positioned four cannons and prepared for an assault. The defenders fired muskets from the castle, prompting the Flanders forces to return fire with their cannons. After a brief exchange, the garrison opted to surrender, leading to the capture of the town. Coloma subsequently confiscated the weapons and horses of the Palatine troops and compelled them to swear an oath of non-aggression against the Emperor.

Following the fall of Kreuznach, Spinola's forces continued their campaign, swiftly moving to capture Alsheim on the same day. By 14 September, Spinola executed a diversionary maneuver that allowed him to seize Oppenheim with minimal resistance, further consolidating his control over the region and delivering a significant setback to the Protestant forces.

On 14 September 1620, the Spanish army, commanded by Don Ambrosio Spinola, Marquis of the Balbases, executed a successful operation to capture the town of Oppenheim in the Electorate of the Palatinate. Spinola's forces, numbering approximately 24,000, initiated a diversionary maneuver by simulating a march towards Worms, which misled the Protestant army led by Joachim Ernst, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. As a result, Ernst moved most of his troops to Worms, leaving only a small garrison of about 800 musketeers in Oppenheim.

Taking advantage of the situation, Spinola advanced under the cover of night and reached Oppenheim at dawn. The Protestant garrison, confronted with the overwhelming Spanish forces, quickly abandoned their defenses and surrendered with minimal resistance, suffering only a few casualties. The Spanish troops seized the town, disarmed the Protestant soldiers, and captured several flags and supplies from the barracks.

The capture of Oppenheim was strategically significant, as it controlled the bridge that provided access to the heart of the Palatinate. Following the capture, Spinola ordered the reconstruction of the destroyed bridge and reinforced the town's defenses. He also requested additional troops from Archduke Albert in Brussels to maintain control over the region, which would see further military actions in the months to come.

The Capture of Bacharach occurred on 1 October 1620, when Spanish forces under the command of Don Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba seized the town from the Protestant defenders loyal to Frederick V, Elector Palatine. This operation was part of the broader Palatinate campaign during the Thirty Years' War. Following the Capture of Oppenheim in mid-September, Spanish General Don Ambrosio Spinola convened a council of war to decide between besieging Heidelberg or Bacharach. Ultimately, the decision favored Bacharach due to the limited presence of Frederick's forces in the area. Córdoba led a contingent of approximately 2,500 soldiers to execute the capture, recognizing the strategic importance of Bacharach as a bridgehead over the Rhine and a link to Mainz.

On 29 September, Córdoba advanced and took Lorch, compelling its defenders to surrender. He dispatched another force of about 2,000 men towards Bacharach, which reached the outskirts around 2 am on 1 October. The arrival of the Spanish troops caused the Protestant soldiers stationed outside the town to abandon their posts and retreat within the walls. At dawn, the defenders, aided by heavy mist, fired upon the advancing Spaniards, resulting in three fatalities and three injuries among the attackers. However, the morale of the garrison plummeted with the arrival of Córdoba's main forces, leading to a decision to surrender. The Spanish troops entered Bacharach at approximately 3 pm, capturing two English captains and 94 soldiers, along with other German troops.

Following the capture, Córdoba established a garrison of 300 soldiers in Bacharach and directed the majority of his forces, led by commanders Diego Ruiz and Baltasar de Santander, to capture Kaub. This town soon capitulated, followed by the fall of Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. Meanwhile, Spinola focused on intercepting an Anglo-Dutch relief force, which ultimately did not materialize as expected, instead proceeding to Worms without opposition. The successful capture of Bacharach and subsequent operations contributed to the Spanish consolidation of power in the region during the early stages of the Thirty Years' War.

The Battle of White Mountain was fought on 8 November 1620 near Prague, marking a significant event in the early stages of the Thirty Years' War. The conflict pitted an army of approximately 21,000 Bohemians and mercenaries, commanded by Christian of Anhalt, against a combined force of 23,000 Imperial troops led by Charles Bonaventure de Longueval, Count of Bucquoy, and the German Catholic League under Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly. The Bohemian forces, having suffered recent setbacks, were reduced to about 15,000 men by the time of the battle. The Imperial army, composed of seasoned soldiers, included notable leaders such as Tilly and the future General Wallenstein.

As the Imperial army advanced towards Prague, the Bohemians attempted to establish defensive positions on the low plateau known as White Mountain. However, the Bohemian forces were unable to prepare adequately due to time constraints and low morale. On the day of the battle, an initial probing attack by a small Imperial force caused the Bohemians to retreat, prompting Tilly to reinforce his troops. Despite a countercharge by Bohemian cavalry led by Christian II, the Imperial cavalry responded effectively, leading to a collapse of the Bohemian flank. The Bohemian infantry, witnessing the retreat of their cavalry, also withdrew, resulting in a rapid disintegration of their forces. The battle lasted approximately one hour, with Bohemian casualties estimated at around 4,000, while Imperial losses were about 700.

The swift defeat of the Bohemian army allowed Tilly to enter Prague the following day, effectively quashing the Bohemian Revolt. The battle's outcome solidified Habsburg control over Bohemia, leading to significant political and religious repercussions in the region for the next three centuries. The aftermath saw the execution of numerous rebel leaders and the exile of a large portion of the Bohemian nobility, fundamentally altering the socio-political landscape of the Czech lands.

The Battle of Neu Titschein, fought on 25 July 1621 in Moravia, now Nový Jičín in the Czech Republic, was a significant engagement during the Thirty Years' War between the Roman Catholic forces led by Jean de Gauchier and the Protestant army commanded by Johann Georg von Brandenburg, Duke of Jägerndorf. Following the defeat of the Bohemian Protestant army at the Battle of White Mountain, remnants of the Protestant forces regrouped in Silesia. The Duke of Jägerndorf aimed to reestablish Protestant influence in the Bohemian kingdom, while Protestant Wallachians engaged Catholic forces in northeastern Moravia, and further east, attempts were made to ally with Hungarian prince Gabor Bethlen.

At Neu Titschein, a substantial Catholic force confronted the Protestant troops, who had taken control of various towns and castles in Silesia and northern Moravia. During the battle, a large fire broke out, devastating the suburbs of Neu Titschein and hindering the Catholic defense. As a result, only a small contingent of Gauchier's forces managed to retreat to Olomouc, leaving northern Moravia under Protestant control. Despite this victory, the Protestant forces were unable to capture Olomouc or secure complete dominance over Moravia, prompting the Duke of Jägerndorf to shift his focus towards Slovakia to join Gabor Bethlen's forces.

The Battle of Mingolsheim occurred on 27 April 1622, near the village of Wiesloch, approximately 23 km south of Heidelberg. The conflict involved a Protestant coalition led by General Ernst von Mansfeld and Georg Friedrich, Margrave of Baden-Durlach, against a Roman Catholic force commanded by Count Johann Tilly. The Protestant army aimed to prevent Tilly from joining forces with Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, who was advancing with a contingent of 20,000 troops from the Spanish Netherlands under the orders of General Ambrosio Spinola.

As the battle commenced, Tilly launched an attack on the rear guard of the Protestant forces, initially achieving success. However, upon engaging the main body of the Protestant army, Tilly faced significant resistance and was ultimately repelled. Following this setback, Tilly executed a strategic retreat, successfully bypassing the stationary Protestant forces to establish a connection with de Córdoba later in May 1622. The Protestant coalition, despite the initial engagement, found itself at a strategic disadvantage as they awaited reinforcements from Christian of Brunswick.

The battle did not yield significant casualties reported for either side, but it marked a critical moment in the Thirty Years' War, illustrating the ongoing struggle for control in the region. The Protestant forces would later confront Tilly's army again at the Battle of Wimpfen later in the same month.

The Battle of Wimpfen occurred on 6 May 1622 near the village of Wimpfen during the Palatinate campaign of the Thirty Years' War. The conflict involved the combined forces of the Catholic League and the Spanish Empire, commanded by Marshal Johann Tilly and General Gonzalo de Córdoba, against the Protestant forces led by Count Georg Friedrich, Margrave of Baden. Prior to the battle, Georg Friedrich had joined forces with General Mansfeld after their victory at the Battle of Mingolsheim on 27 April. As Tilly's army retreated eastward towards the Neckar River, Georg Friedrich pursued them, unaware that Córdoba had reinforced Tilly with several thousand troops. On the evening of 5 May, the Protestant forces crossed the Böllinger Bach creek and prepared for battle.

On the morning of 6 May, both armies engaged in a series of attacks that proved ineffective until around 11 o'clock. Each side had constructed a wagenburg for defense and deployed significant artillery. Tilly initially held Córdoba's troops in reserve, anticipating an attack from other Protestant forces that did not materialize. As the battle progressed, Tilly's elite regiments maintained their positions, forming a tight pike formation that repelled Georg Friedrich's cavalry. A lull in fighting ensued until early afternoon when a Catholic assault on the Protestant right flank caused a rout among Georg Friedrich's cavalry. The situation deteriorated further when a cannon shot ignited the Protestant powder magazine, inciting panic and leading to the collapse of their wagenburg under Catholic attacks. Many Protestants perished while attempting to flee across the Böllinger Bach.

Count Georg Friedrich sustained facial injuries during the battle and narrowly escaped to Stuttgart, where he abdicated in favor of his eldest son. Following the battle, Catholic troops devastated his lands, and in August, a significant portion of his domains was awarded to William, Margrave of Baden-Baden, from a rival Catholic branch of House Baden. General Tilly continued his campaign, achieving further victories, including the Battle of Höchst in June, and systematically subduing the fortified towns of the Electoral Palatinate. In 1623, the Diet of Regensburg transferred Frederick V's lands and Electoral College seat to Duke Maximilian of Bavaria, who subsequently styled himself Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria.

The Battle of Höchst occurred on 20 June 1622, involving a Catholic League army led by Johan Tzerclaes, Count of Tilly, and a Protestant force commanded by Christian the Younger, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. Tilly's forces numbered approximately 20,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry, and 18 artillery pieces, while Christian's army comprised around 12,000 infantry, nearly 5,000 cavalry, and three guns. The battle unfolded near the town of Höchst, close to Frankfurt am Main, during the Thirty Years' War.

Prior to the battle, Christian advanced into the territory of the Archbishopric of Mainz, capturing Höchst on 16 June after initial resistance. He then constructed a pontoon bridge across the Main River, intending to facilitate the movement of his troops. However, Tilly's forces, having marched from Würzburg, arrived late on 19 June and positioned themselves to cut off Christian's retreat. On the morning of 20 June, as Christian's troops began to cross the completed bridge, Tilly launched an assault, forcing a chaotic withdrawal. The bridge collapsed under the weight of the retreating soldiers, resulting in significant casualties as many drowned in the river.

By the time Höchst castle fell around 10 p.m., Christian had lost approximately one-third of his army, with nearly 2,000 casualties, while Tilly's forces suffered around 100 losses. Christian managed to escape with 3,000 cavalry and 8,000 infantry, but his baggage train and artillery were captured. The battle marked a decisive victory for the Catholic League, severely demoralizing the Protestant forces and impacting their operational capabilities in the ongoing conflict.

The Siege of Heidelberg occurred from 19 September to 16 November 1622 during the Thirty Years' War, primarily involving the forces of the Catholic League, commanded by Count Johann von Tilly, and the Protestant defenders led by the Elector Palatine, Friedrich V. The siege began when Tilly's army, numbering approximately 20,000 troops, surrounded the city of Heidelberg, which was fortified and held a garrison of around 3,000 soldiers. The city was strategically significant due to its location and its role as a center of Protestant resistance in the Palatinate region.

As the siege progressed, Tilly's forces employed artillery to bombard the city's defenses, utilizing around 30 cannons to breach the walls. The defenders, despite being outnumbered, mounted a determined resistance, launching sorties to disrupt the besieging forces. However, the lack of reinforcements and dwindling supplies severely hampered their efforts. By early November, the situation for the defenders became increasingly dire, with food shortages leading to malnutrition among the garrison. On 16 November 1622, after nearly two months of siege, the city capitulated to Tilly's forces, resulting in the surrender of the remaining defenders.

The aftermath of the siege saw significant casualties on both sides, although exact numbers remain unclear. The Catholic League's victory solidified their control over the Palatinate, while the fall of Heidelberg marked a critical point in the Thirty Years' War, contributing to the decline of Protestant power in the region. The siege exemplified the brutal nature of the conflict, characterized by the use of heavy artillery and the strategic importance of fortified cities in the war.

The Battle of Fleurus, fought on 29 August 1622, was a significant engagement during the Thirty Years' War, occurring near the town of Fleurus in present-day Belgium. The battle pitted the forces of the Dutch Republic, led by Prince Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, against the Spanish army commanded by the Count of Tilly. The Dutch aimed to secure control over the region and disrupt Spanish supply lines. The Dutch forces numbered approximately 20,000 troops, while the Spanish army consisted of around 15,000 soldiers, bolstered by artillery support.

As the battle commenced, the Dutch employed a combination of infantry and cavalry tactics, utilizing their superior mobility to outmaneuver the Spanish lines. The engagement began with a series of skirmishes, where the Dutch cavalry attempted to flank the Spanish positions. The Spanish, however, held their ground, relying on their disciplined formations and artillery fire. Key moments included the Dutch assault on the Spanish left flank, which initially gained ground but was met with fierce resistance. The battle saw intense fighting, with both sides suffering significant casualties, though exact numbers remain unclear.

Ultimately, the battle concluded with a tactical victory for the Dutch forces, who managed to push the Spanish back and secure a strategic advantage in the region. The engagement at Fleurus demonstrated the evolving nature of warfare during the Thirty Years' War, highlighting the effectiveness of combined arms tactics and the importance of mobility on the battlefield. The outcome contributed to the ongoing conflict between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire, influencing subsequent military engagements in the war.

The Capture of Mannheim occurred on 2 November 1622, when the Imperial-Spanish army, led by Johan Tzerclaes, Count of Tilly, besieged the city, which was defended by Protestant forces under Sir Horace Vere. Following the earlier defeat of Protestant troops at Heidelberg on 19 September 1622, the Imperial-Spanish forces advanced towards Mannheim, where they faced a garrison comprised of Anglo-German-Protestant soldiers. The siege commenced with a series of assaults that overwhelmed the defenders, leading to significant losses for the Protestant side.

As the siege progressed, the Imperial-Spanish forces systematically dismantled the defenses of Mannheim, forcing Vere and a small contingent of his men to retreat to the citadel. Despite their efforts to hold out, the lack of reinforcements and dwindling supplies left them with no viable options. Ultimately, on 2 November, Sir Horace Vere capitulated, surrendering the city to the Imperial-Spanish army. The fall of Mannheim marked a significant victory for the Catholic forces, further consolidating their control over the Lower Palatinate.

Following the capture, only Frankenthal remained under Protestant control, defended by Sir John Burroughs. However, this stronghold would also fall to Spanish forces under Don Guillermo Verdugo in the subsequent year, completing the Imperial-Spanish conquest of the region. The siege and capture of Mannheim exemplified the military strategies employed during the Thirty Years' War, highlighting the challenges faced by Protestant forces in the face of a well-coordinated Catholic campaign.

The Battle of Stadtlohn occurred on 6 August 1623, involving the forces of the Electoral Palatinate, led by Christian of Brunswick, and the Catholic League, commanded by Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly. Christian's army, numbering approximately 15,000, had been recently recruited and was in a weakened position due to a lack of support from other Protestant princes. Following a series of retreats beginning in late July, Christian's forces were pursued by Tilly's troops, who crossed the Saxon border on 13 July. By 4 August, Christian was retreating from Greven, with Tilly's forces closely following. On the morning of 6 August, Tilly's vanguard engaged Christian's rearguard near Heek, forcing a further retreat across the Ahauser Aa.

By 2 p.m. on 6 August, Christian was compelled to make a stand just outside Stadtlohn, in a ditch known as the Wüllener Landwehr. Positioned on a hill, Christian's forces endured a prolonged bombardment before Tilly's cavalry launched a decisive attack on the right flank. This assault caused a rout among Christian's cavalry, leading to a general collapse of his infantry. Tilly's forces capitalized on the disarray, resulting in approximately 6,000 casualties among Christian's troops and the capture of 4,000 prisoners, including 50 high-ranking officers. Christian managed to escape with around 5,500 survivors, while Tilly's army sustained about 1,000 casualties.

The aftermath of the battle saw the captured artillery displayed in Coesfeld, and many of the wounded were taken to Münster for treatment. The defeat significantly weakened the military resistance of the Palatinate forces, leading Frederick V of the Palatinate to sign an armistice with Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II, effectively concluding the 'Palatine Phase' of the Thirty Years' War. The captured soldiers faced challenges integrating into Tilly's disciplined army, with many deserting. This battle marked the end of Christian of Brunswick's military campaigns, as he would attempt one more campaign in 1626 before dying from illness later that year.