In 1759 two French armies threatened Western Germany. By the end of July the Marquis de Contades with the Rhine Army had successfully fought his way to the Weser, capturing a number of important towns, and lay at Minden. Hanover was invaded and the city of Hanover itself threatened by the French. The Duc de Broglie was encamped on the east bank of the Weser.
Prince Ferdinand with his army lay to the north of Minden. While Ferdinand's primary allegiance was to his King, Frederick of Prussia, he commanded King George II's forces and was bound to serve his interests, in particular to preserve the Electorate of Hanover from French invasion.
Contades had adopted an impregnable position, the French camp lying to the south west of the town of Minden behind the boggy Bastau River. A French garrison held Minden and Broglie was across the Weser. Detached French forces were hurrying to join the main army, Ferdinand felt it necessary to bring matters to a conclusion without delay.
General Wangenheim with his corps of German troops advanced to Todtenhausen, a few miles north of Minden on the west bank of the Weser, and entrenched. Ferdinand's main army lay to the west. Ferdinand appeared to be concerned with the manoeuvres he was conducting against Contades' left flank and rear. It is said that Ferdinand wished to give Contades the impression that he had left Wangenheim to fend for himself. When Contades moved against Wangenheim, Ferdinand would have the opportunity to attack the French as they crossed the Bastau.
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