 |
Karl Georg Albrecht Ernst HakeGeneral of Infantry, Minister of War of Prussia.
Date of Birth: 08.08.1769
|
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Napoleonic Wars
- War Minister of Prussia
- War of Liberation
- Later Career and Retirement
- Honors and Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Born on August 8, 1769, in the estate of Flatow near Kremmen, Albrecht Wilhelm von Hake joined King Frederick II's retinue as a page in 1780. In 1785, he entered military service as a second lieutenant in the Prussian Guard and was promoted to lieutenant in 1788.
Napoleonic Wars
Hake's military exploits commenced in 1793 during the First Coalition War against France. For his valor at the Battle of Pirmasens, he received the Pour le M?rite орден. Subsequently, he served under Lieutenant General Goysau and was promoted to captain in 1797.
During the 1799-1800 campaign, Hake was an aide-de-camp to Field Marshal Möllendorf. In 1804, he assumed the same role for Prince Henry of Prussia.
War Minister of Prussia
On May 1, 1809, Hake was appointed Director of the 1st Department of the Ministry of War. In February 1810, he became head of the Military Economics Department and, in June of that year, Chief of the War Department and Minister of War of Prussia. Despite his high rank, Hake remained overshadowed by Prussia's renowned military leader, Field Marshal Scharnhorst. His initiatives were also constrained by the peace treaty with France.
War of Liberation
In August 1813, after Prussia broke with France and allied with Russia, Hake resigned his ministerial post and focused on mobilizing the Prussian army. With Austria's entry into the war, he became Prussia's representative in Prince Schwarzenberg's headquarters. He was decorated with the Austrian Military Order of Maria Theresa.
Hake fought in active military campaigns during the Hundred Days, distinguishing himself at the Battle of Waterloo, where he commanded a brigade in Bülow's corps. He later commanded the sieges of Mézières and Sedan.
Later Career and Retirement
On December 26, 1819, Hake was reappointed as Minister of War, succeeding Boyen. However, due to severe illness, he retired on October 20, 1833, and traveled to Italy for treatment. Albrecht Wilhelm von Hake passed away on May 19, 1835, in Castellamare near Naples.
Honors and Legacy
In addition to the aforementioned awards, Hake was also bestowed with the Russian Order of St. Alexander Nevsky on May 26, 1829. He remains recognized as a dedicated military leader and Prussian Minister of War.
