Kurt Shverin Prussian Field Marshal Date of Birth: 26.10.1684 Country: Germany

1. Kurt Schwerin: Prussian General and Military Strategist
2. Early Career and Military Service
3. Service to Sweden and Accomplishments
4. Prussian Service and Rise in Rank
5. Contributions and Tragic End

Kurt Schwerin: Prussian General and Military Strategist

Kurt Schwerin was a Prussian general and field marshal known for his exceptional military leadership during the reign of Frederick II and his participation in the Seven Years' War. He met his demise in the Battle of Prague, where he perished in what became known as the "exemplary death of a Prussian general."

Early Career and Military Service

Schwerin began his military service in 1700 as an ensign in his uncle's regiment under the command of his brother, Bernhard Detlof von Schwerin. The regiment, known as the Schwerin Regiment, was involved in the War of the Spanish Succession in the Netherlands. Schwerin gained valuable experience in battles such as Schellenberg and Höchstädt during this conflict. From 1703 to 1708, he steadily climbed through the ranks and eventually became a colonel in the army of Duke Frederick William of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. He participated in various battles during the War of the Spanish Succession and the Northern War alongside the Swedes.

Service to Sweden and Accomplishments

In 1711, Schwerin was sent on a secret mission to Swedish King Charles XII. However, in 1713, he found himself captured by the Russians near Bendery. After his release, he joined the Swedish army and became a Swedish major general in 1718. He distinguished himself during the Great Northern War, notably defeating Hanoverian forces in the Battle of Walsmühlen in Mecklenburg on March 6, 1719. Due to his family estates being transferred to Prussia, Schwerin transferred to Prussian service in 1720.

Prussian Service and Rise in Rank

From 1722 onward, Schwerin owned and commanded the 24th Infantry Regiment, which later became an elite unit of the Prussian army. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in 1731 and became a general of infantry in 1739. Despite being a well-rounded individual with a keen interest in science and the arts, Schwerin stood apart from the other military officers in the army of "Soldier King" Frederick William I. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the king's unwavering trust and served as an advisor, undertaking diplomatic missions that Frederick William I entrusted only to him. Schwerin's successful career, which began under the king's father, continued under his successor. In June 1740, Frederick II promoted Schwerin to the rank of field marshal, and a month later, he was granted the title of count.

Contributions and Tragic End

Schwerin demonstrated his prowess in the First Silesian War at the Battle of Mollwitz, where he led the army to victory after Frederick II left the battlefield. During the interwar period between the Silesian Wars, he served as the commander of the fortresses in Brieg and Neisse. In the Second Silesian War, Schwerin played a crucial role in the capture of Prague on September 16, 1744. However, 23 years later, he met his tragic end under the walls of Prague. Holding the flag and trying to inspire his soldiers to attack, Schwerin died in what would later become known as the "exemplary death of a Prussian general," which became part of the legend surrounding Frederick II and his era. Unfortunately, his heroic death had adverse consequences during the battle itself, as it led to panic among the Prussian infantry.