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Ivan DrewitzMajor General
Date of Birth: 01.01.1733
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Content:
- The Early Years and Prussian Service
- Transition to Russian Service
- Service in the Polish Confederation War
- The Siege of Jasna Góra Monastery
- Controversies and Criticisms
- Later Career
- Personal Life and Legacy
The Early Years and Prussian Service
Born to a German noble family, Johann von Drewitz served as a captain in the Prussian army during the Seven Years' War, commanding a company of infantry. However, during the siege of Stettin, he defected to the Russian side.
Transition to Russian Service
In 1759, Drewitz joined the Russian military, serving in the Serbian and Hungarian hussar regiments and rising to the rank of colonel. His German surname was transformed to "Drevic" in the Russian style.
Service in the Polish Confederation War
As commander of the Hungarian Hussar Regiment, Drevic fought in the war against the Polish Confederates (1768-1772). His regiment was tasked with protecting the Russian ambassador, Prince Nikolai Vasilyevich Repnin. He participated in numerous battles and skirmishes, earning distinction for his actions at Dobra.
The Siege of Jasna Góra Monastery
From September 1770 to August 1772, Drevic led the siege of Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, defended by Kazimierz Puławski. He also besieged the Barefoot Carmelite Monastery in Zagórze in November 1772.
Controversies and Criticisms
Drevic's actions during the war were marked by allegations of cruelty. He allegedly tortured and killed prisoners who violated their parole. He also plundered the property of Confederates. General A.V. Suvorov, with whom he collaborated, expressed strong disapproval of Drevic's abilities and conduct.
Later Career
After the war, Drevic commanded the Belarusian Hussar Regiment and was promoted to brigadier in 1775. He participated in the suppression of the Pugachev Rebellion in 1774 and was promoted to major general in 1777.
Personal Life and Legacy
Drevic's son, General Major Fedor Ivanovich Drevic, also served in the Russian military. Drevic acquired estates near Vitebsk in 1772 and died in May 1783.
