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August WilhelmPrussian general.
Date of Birth: 10.10.1715
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern
- Rise through the Ranks
- Command in Silesia
- Disastrous Campaigns
- Later Years and Controversy
Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern
Early Life and Military CareerFerdinand, the second son of Duke Ernst Ferdinand of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, was born in 1721. He joined the Prussian army in 1731, becoming a captain that same year. In 1734, he accompanied Crown Prince Frederick on a campaign to the Rhine, earning promotion to major. He further distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession, receiving a wound at Mollwitz and earning recognition at Hohenfriedberg.
Rise through the Ranks
By 1743, Ferdinand had risen to the rank of major general. His reputation as a skilled tactician and scholar earned him the respect of his peers. In the Battle of Lobositz, he seized Mount Lobosch, turning the tide in Prussia's favor. The following year, he led a column into Bohemia, defeating an Austrian corps under General Graf Königsegg at Reichenberg.
Command in Silesia
During the Siege of Prague, Ferdinand was entrusted with a 20,000-strong corps to observe Daun's army. His reluctance to engage the Austrians frustrated Frederick, but his caution was vindicated when Frederick's defeat at Kolin vindicated his decision.
Ferdinand replaced Prince August Wilhelm as commander of the army in Görlitz, which was tasked with protecting Berlin and Silesia from the Austrian advance. He was assisted by General Winterfeldt, but Winterfeldt's death at the Battle of Moys raised suspicions of Ferdinand's complicity.
Disastrous Campaigns
Ferdinand's performance in Silesia was disappointing. He remained inactive outside Breslau, failing to assist the garrison at Schweidnitz despite Frederick's pleas for action. In the Battle of Breslau, he suffered a crushing defeat and was taken prisoner. Some suspected that his capture was deliberate, to avoid facing Frederick's wrath.
Later Years and Controversy
Ferdinand returned from captivity in 1758, but was not given any significant commands. Instead, he was assigned as governor of Stettin. In 1761, he became embroiled in a treasonous plot involving Russian General Totleben. Despite warning Frederick of Totleben's overtures, Ferdinand's involvement remained suspicious.
In 1762, Ferdinand signed an armistice with the Russians on Prussia's behalf. He later led a corps in Silesia, bearing the brunt of the fighting at the Battle of Reichenbach. After the successful conclusion of the battle, he was given command of all Prussian forces in Silesia and Lusatia.
Ferdinand returned to Stettin as governor upon the conclusion of the Treaty of Hubertusburg, where he remained until his death in 1792. Frederick's assessment of Ferdinand in his history of the Seven Years' War praised his knowledge, courage, and skill as a commander. However, he lamented Ferdinand's lack of independence and will, which ultimately limited his military potential.
