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Anders LagercronaSwedish Major General
Country:
 Sweden |
Content:
- Lieutenant General of the Swedish Army
- Early Life and Military Career
- Royal Favor and Battle Exploits
- Russian Campaign and Misfortune
- Disgrace and Accusations
- Post-War Life and Legacy
- Death and Family
Lieutenant General of the Swedish Army
Oluf Lagercrona was a Swedish general-major who played a role in the Great Northern War and was a favorite of King Charles XII.
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Stockholm in 1663 to a family of nobility, Lagercrona entered military service in 1675. By 1700, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Västerbotten Regiment.
Royal Favor and Battle Exploits
In 1702, Lagercrona became a general adjutant and participated in the Battle of Kliszów. He was promoted to colonel of the Västerbotten Regiment that same year and took part in the siege of Thorn in 1703. A year later, he received the rank of general-major. In 1705, he was bestowed with the title of baron.
Russian Campaign and Misfortune
During the campaign against Russia in 1708, Lagercrona was ordered to occupy Starodub but lost his way. Russian forces seized the city before he could secure it. Despite this mishap, he retained the king's favor for some time.
Disgrace and Accusations
At the Battle of Poltava, Lagercrona was nearly captured but escaped after taking a horse from another officer. While Charles XII was in Bender, Lagercrona quarreled with another royal favorite, Count Grothusen, in the king's presence. Charles responded by ordering Lagercrona to stay away from him. He was dismissed from service and left Bender for Sweden in 1711.
Post-War Life and Legacy
Later, Lagercrona was accused of embezzling money from the Västerbotten Regiment's treasury. An investigation began in 1717, but its outcome is unknown. He remained unpopular in the army, facing accusations of spreading rumors to the king.
Death and Family
Lagercrona died in Stockholm on January 7, 1739. He had been married to Margareta Gyllenadler since 1687.
