'The Glorious Action of Dettingen June 27 N.S. [16 O.S.] between the Forces of the Allies and the French Army under Marshal Noailles commanded by King George of Great Britain'

Coloured line engraving by I Pano after F Daremberg, published by Robert Wilkinson, London, 1743 (c).

The Battle of Dettingen was fought during the War of the Austrian Succession (1742-1748). When his retreat was cut off, King George II successfully led his British, Hanoverian and Austrian forces against the French under the Duc de Noailles, inflicting heavy losses. This was the last occasion when a reigning British monarch led his troops in person on the battlefield. As Duke of Cambridge, the King had already fought under Marlborough's command at the Battle of Oudenarde in 1708. Although he displayed great personal courage, the King had little flair for higher military command and wisely left the conduct of the campaign to his generals. His victory at Dettingen brought him much popularity at home.