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Joseph AlvinczyAustrian Field Marshal
Date of Birth: 01.02.1735
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Jozsef Alvinczy von Berberek
- Bavarian Succession War and Military Instruction
- War against Turkey
- War against France
- Field Marshal and Commander of the Upper Rhine Army
- Italian Campaign
- Final Years
- Awards and Honors
Jozsef Alvinczy von Berberek
Early CareerIn 1750, Jozsef Alvinczy von Berberek joined the regiment of Count Ferenc Gilai. He fought in the Seven Years' War, distinguishing himself at the battles of Torgau (1760), Schweidnitz (1761), and Teplitz (1762).
Bavarian Succession War and Military Instruction
In 1773, Alvinczy was promoted to colonel of the 19th Hungarian regiment. During the War of the Bavarian Succession, he was captured but later released. Upon his return, he was awarded the rank of major general and the Knight's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa. He taught military science to the heir to the throne, the future Emperor Francis II.
War against Turkey
In 1786, Alvinczy became the commander of a regiment. In the war against Turkey, he fought under Field Marshal Laudon and participated in the capture of Belgrade in 1789. He was promoted to field marshal lieutenant that same year.
War against France
From 1792-1794, Alvinczy commanded a corps in the Austrian Netherlands during the war against the French Republic. He participated in the battles of Neerwinden, Hondschoote, Fleurus, and others. He was awarded the Commander's and Grand Crosses of the Order of Maria Theresa.
Field Marshal and Commander of the Upper Rhine Army
On May 24, 1794, Alvinczy was appointed Feldzeugmeister. In 1795, he headed the Upper Rhine Army but was soon recalled to Vienna to serve as a member of the Hofkriegsrat (Court War Council). However, defeats suffered by Austrian forces in Italy led the emperor to appoint Alvinczy to the army again.
Italian Campaign
In 1796, Alvinczy assembled a new army in Tyrol and took command on September 8, aiming to break the French siege of Mantua, where Field Marshal Count Wurmser was besieged. He faced several setbacks against the French before being defeated by Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Arcole. After a heavy defeat at Rivoli and the surrender of Wurmser, Alvinczy was replaced by Archduke Charles.
Final Years
Despite his setbacks, Alvinczy remained in the emperor's favor and was soon appointed commander-in-chief in Hungary, a position he held until his death. In 1808, he was awarded the rank of Field Marshal. He died of a stroke.
Awards and Honors
- Knight of the Order of Maria Theresa (1779)- Commander of the Order of Maria Theresa (1793)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa (1794)
