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Charles Eugene CroyField Marshal from the influential Dutch princely family of Croix
Country:
 Netherlands |
Content:
- Charles Eugène de Croÿ
- Service in the Austrian Army
- Service in Poland and Saxony
- Arrival in Russia
- Disastrous Performance at Narva
- Defeat and Imprisonment
- Body as a Curiosity
Charles Eugène de Croÿ
Early Life and Military CareerCharles Eugène de Croÿ hailed from the illustrious Dutch noble house of Croÿ. Born into an aristocratic family, he embarked upon a military career, serving in the armies of Denmark, Austria, Saxony, and Russia. In 1677, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant General in the Danish Army.
Service in the Austrian Army
De Croÿ transitioned to the Austrian Army, where he excelled in combat against the Ottoman Empire. He participated in the liberation of Vienna in 1683 and the attack on Belgrade in 1690. In 1692, he ingeniously established the formidable Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad.
Service in Poland and Saxony
From 1698 to 1700, de Croÿ served under King August II of Poland and Elector of Saxony. During this time, he was promoted to Field Marshal of the Saxon Army in 1698.
Arrival in Russia
Formally appointed to the Russian service in 1698, de Croÿ arrived in Russia in 1700 and was immediately awarded the rank of Field Marshal by Tsar Peter I. He became the second-ever Field Marshal in the history of the Russian Army, after Fedor Golovin.
Disastrous Performance at Narva
Despite his illustrious military record, de Croÿ's performance at the Battle of Narva in 1700 was disastrous. He rejected the strategic recommendation of Boris Sheremetev to leave a portion of the army to blockade the city and engage the Swedes in open battle with the remainder. Instead, de Croÿ opted to hold their positions, ceding the initiative to the Swedish king and ultimately leading to the crushing defeat of the Russian Army.
Defeat and Imprisonment
Amidst the chaos of the battle, de Croÿ, confronted by Russian soldiers who were violently attacking foreign officers, chose to flee towards the Swedish lines and surrender as a prisoner. He succumbed to his debt while imprisoned in Revel (Tallinn). Due to his unpaid obligations, his body remained unburied for an extended period of time.
Body as a Curiosity
Remarkably, de Croÿ's body remained remarkably preserved. It was displayed for 160 years under a glass cover in St. Nicholas Church, becoming an object of fascination for travelers. Creditors collected entrance fees to cover his debts. His body was finally interred in 1863.
