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Hieronymus Colloredo-MansfeldAustrian General Feldzeugmeister.
Date of Birth: 30.03.1875
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Joseph Wenzel Radetzky von Radetz
- Prisoner of War and Bravery
- Campaigns in Italy and Bavaria
- War of the Sixth Coalition
- Leipzig, Rhine, and Burgundy
- Legacy
Joseph Wenzel Radetzky von Radetz
Early Life and Military CareerBorn on March 30, 1775, in Wetzlar, Joseph Wenzel Radetzky von Radetz joined the military as a lieutenant in 1792. He quickly saw action in the coalition war against France, fighting alongside General Clerfayt in the Champagne region.
Prisoner of War and Bravery
In 1793-1794, Radetzky was captured by the French while defending the fortress of Condé in Flanders and was held hostage against established rules of war. Upon his release, he fought as a captain on the Rhine in 1796, where he was severely wounded and transferred to Italy. At the Battle of Hohenlinden, he served under General Wurmser and was promoted to major general for his bravery.
Campaigns in Italy and Bavaria
In the 1805 campaign, Radetzky again fought in Italy and played a crucial role at the Battle of Caldiero. Commanding the left wing of the Austrian army, he repelled enemy attacks and inspired wavering troops with his personal example, ultimately contributing to the victory.
In 1809, Radetzky fought in Italy and held his ground at Fontana-Fredda for five hours against a superior force, securing a brilliant victory. Despite being wounded, he defended Vincenza for 24 hours against overwhelming odds, allowing the Austrian army to retreat over the Carnic Alps.
War of the Sixth Coalition
During the War of the Sixth Coalition, Radetzky distinguished himself again. At the Battle of Dresden, he commanded a three-division corps and fought a fierce battle, losing three horses. At Kulm, he took over command of the right wing of the allied army and completed the encirclement of the French, capturing 3,000 prisoners. For his actions, he was promoted to Feldzeugmeister (Master of the Ordnance) and commanded the 1st Corps of the Austrian army. He was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd Class, by the Russian emperor.
Leipzig, Rhine, and Burgundy
In the Battle of Leipzig, Radetzky's corps formed the left wing of the main army, holding positions under Prince Hesse-Homburg. After both Hesse-Homburg and General Merfeld were incapacitated, Radetzky assumed command. Despite being wounded in the chest, he withheld his positions at Konnewitz and Delitzsch.
After Napoleon's return from Elba, Radetzky led a corps on the Upper Rhine and in Burgundy. However, due to injuries sustained at Troyes, he retired from active duty and served in civilian roles as a privy councilor and chamberlain.
Legacy
Radetzky died in Vienna on July 23, 1822, from complications of his war wounds. In 1825, a monument was erected in his honor at the battlefield of Kulm. The Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt was later named after him.
