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Andrash HadikAustrian field marshal, hero of the Seven Years' War.
Date of Birth: 16.10.1710
Country:  Austria |
Content:
Biography of Andreas Hadik
Andreas Hadik was an Austrian Field Marshal and a hero of the Seven Years' War. He was born into a noble Slovak family in Turčiansky Svätý Martin. In 1732, he joined the Austrian military and served in a hussar regiment. Hadik distinguished himself in several campaigns, including the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1735).
Early Military Career
In 1738, Hadik participated in joint operations of Russian and Austrian forces against the Turks in Bessarabia, taking part in the sieges of Ochakov and Bender. He was promoted to colonel in 1744 and to major general in 1748 for his service in the War of the Austrian Succession. Hadik commanded a cavalry brigade and gained legendary fame for his cavalry raid on Berlin in October 1757. This raid served as an example for General Totleben's expedition three years later.
The Raid on Berlin
On October 11, Hadik launched a swift attack on Berlin with a small flying detachment from Elsterwerda, 160 kilometers away. His hussars covered a daily distance of fifty miles in both directions, collecting contributions from the surrounding towns. On October 16, Hadik stormed the Prussian capital and held it for one day. The Prussian military commander of Berlin, General Rochow, fled to Spandau with the remnants of the defeated garrison. After taking the contributions, Hadik withdrew from Berlin, managing to evade the troops sent by Frederick the Great, located two hours' march away. Hadik's raid brought jubilation in Vienna and resonated throughout Europe, highlighting the vulnerability of Prussia and its capital. For his achievements, Hadik was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa, a distinction bestowed on only twenty military leaders in Austrian history.
Later Years
From 1762, Hadik commanded the Imperial Army, initially with success but later suffered a severe defeat by the Prussians on October 29, 1762, near Freiberg in Saxony. After the Seven Years' War in 1764, he was appointed as the military and civil governor of the Seven Towns (Semigrad) and later became the president of the Congress of Karlovci. In 1772, he served as the military and civil governor of Austrian Galicia. In 1776, Hadik was granted the title of count and became the president of the Hofkriegsrat. In 1789, he became the commander-in-chief of the Austrian army in the war against the Turks but fell ill and soon had to relinquish his command.
Andreas Hadik was laid to rest in his estate in Futak, Voivodina, which was gifted to him by Maria Theresa. He is remembered in history primarily as a talented leader of flying cavalry detachments and a hero of the so-called "small war." The National Academy of Defense of Slovakia is named after Hadik in his honor.
