The battle, which ended in a Prussian victory, consisted of a series of engagements situated between Essen and Turnhout.

On 20 December 1813, Emperor Napoleon sent the 3rd Division of the Young Guard, commanded by François Roguet, towards Breda to retake the town which had been abandoned by the French garrison, and had now declared to side with the Allied cause.

After three days of fighting the French lifted their siege and retreated and concentrated their army around Hoogstraten.

On their right flank the Prussians were supported by the British Expeditionary Corps, which marched towards Antwerp.

Heavy fighting took place in the town centers of Wuustwezel, Loenhout, Wortel, Minderhout and Hoogstraten.