Battle of Mookerheyde

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Battle of Mookerheyde
Part of the Eighty Years' War
Date 14 April 1574 Location Mook en Middelaar, Limburg Result Decisive Spanish victory
Belligerents
Dutch rebels	Spain
Commanders
Louis of Nassau † Henry of Nassau †	Sancho d'Avila Bernardino de Mendoza
Strength
5,500 infantry 2,600 cavalry	5,000 infantry 800 cavalry
Casualties and losses
3,000 dead or wounded	150 dead or wounded

The Battle of Mookerheyde was a battle of the Eighty Years' War fought on 14 April 1574 near the village Mook and the river Meuse. An army of poorly paid mercenaries, hired by William the Silent to bring relief to the city of Leyden that was under siege by the Spaniards, moved north on the east bank of the river Meuse. The Dutch army was met by a Spanish army, led by Sancho d'Avila and Mendoza, consisting of 5,000 infantry and 800 cavalry. The Dutch army was led by two of the brothers of William, Louis and Henry of Nassau, and consisted of 5,500 infantry and 2,600 cavalry.

The Dutch first fired several salvos, but these did little harm to the Spanish. When the Dutch pulled back to reload, they were intercepted by Spanish cavalry. 1,000 Dutchmen were killed.

The ensuing battle was a disaster for the Dutch. Part of their army deserted during the action, shouting for money. The Spanish lost only 150 men. The rebels lost 3,000 men; both Louis and Henry were killed.

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