Still they moved forward, and Rowe, marching in line with his men, struck the palisade with his sword before he gave the order to fire.

Then desperately the British strove to knock down the palisade and attack their enemy with the bayonet, but the structure was too strong, and the gallant force melted away under the withering fire kept up by the great force of French infantry which occupied the village.
Half Rowe's force fell, he himself was badly wounded, most of his officers down, when some squadrons of French horse fell upon their flank, threw them into confusion, and took the colours of the regiment.
The Hessians, who so far had been in reserve, fell upon the French, and retook the colours.
Fresh squadrons of French cavalry came up, and General Lumley sent some squadrons of cavalry across to Rowe's assistance.

Then, with a cheer, the dragoons rode at the French, who were twice their strength.

In an instant every one was engaged in a fierce conflict, cutting, slashing, and using their points.
The French gave way under the onslaught, but fresh squadrons came up from their side, a heavy musketry fire broke out from the enclosure round Blenheim, and leaving many of their number behind them, the British horse and foot fell back to the stream.
Marlborough, seeing that Blenheim could not be taken, now resolved upon making his great effort to break the French line midway between Oberglau and Blenheim.
On the stream at this part stood the village of Unterglau, having a stone bridge across the Nebel.

This was but weakly held by the French, who, upon seeing the allies advancing at full speed, fired the village to check the advance, and then fell back.
General Churchill's division rushed through the burning village, crossed the bridge, and began to open out on both sides.