The Duke of York was stunned on the spot.
Kleinfeld commanded over 14,000 Austrian Army. If he withdrew, the nearby French Army would outnumber us.
Especially after the previous prolonged siege, the morale of the British soldiers was very low. Now, the formation was very disorganized. If the Walloon people attacked at this time, the situation would be critical...
He dared not think further. He shouted at the Order Officer: "Catch up with the Austrians, order them to return immediately, or I will definitely complain to the Emperor of Holy Rome about them!"
"Damn it! Haven't these cowards learned the word 'shame'?!"
An hour and a half later, the Captain who went to deliver orders returned, lowered his head and said to the Duke of York: "Your Highness, Count Cléfart has refused your order. He said..."
"Said what?!"
"He said Cologne is more important than everyone, including your life. He can't just waste time here because of our army's blun... uh, mistakes."