Ludwig von Borstell Prussian General of Cavalry Date of Birth: 30.12.1773 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Campaigns against the French
3. Napoleonic Wars
4. Reform and Command
5. Battle of Leipzig and Beyond
6. Waterloo and Aftermath
7. Honors and Legacy

Early Life and Military Service

Friedrich Wilhelm von Borstell was born on December 30, 1773, in Tangermünde, Prussia. His father, General Hans Friedrich Heinrich von Borstell, played a significant role in shaping his military aspirations. In 1788, at the age of 15, Borstell joined the Prussian Army, serving as an adjutant to his father, who was then a Major General.

Campaigns against the French

In 1793, Borstell participated in the campaign against the French Revolutionary Wars, showcasing his bravery at the battles of Pirmasens and Kaiserslautern. His actions caught the attention of the Duke of Brunswick, who promoted him through the ranks.

Napoleonic Wars

During the disastrous Prussian campaign of 1806, Borstell served as a Guard Major, fighting in the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt and other engagements. In 1807, he displayed his tactical acumen by convincing Marshal Ney that a small Prussian detachment was the vanguard of a larger army, leading to a ceasefire. He later commanded the cavalry of Blücher's corps in Swedish Pomerania.

Reform and Command

After the Peace of Tilsit, Borstell became a member of the commission charged with reforming the Prussian Army and was promoted to Major General. In the War of the Sixth Coalition (1813-1814), he led the Pomeranian Brigade, distinguishing himself particularly at the battles of Grossbeeren and Dennewitz.

Battle of Leipzig and Beyond

At the Battle of Leipzig, Borstell commanded troops under Bennigsen's army, participating in the storming of the Grimma suburb and earning promotion to Lieutenant General. He was entrusted with blockading Wesel but returned to Bülow's corps in 1814.

Waterloo and Aftermath

In 1815, Borstell commanded the 2nd Corps of the Prussian Army during the campaign against Napoleon's Hundred Days. He was accused of delaying the disarmament and execution of Saxon mutineers, leading to his imprisonment. However, King Frederick William III pardoned him at the request of Field Marshal Blücher and appointed him to command the Magdeburg Brigade and later the military district of Königsberg.

Honors and Legacy

In 1818, Emperor Alexander I of Russia awarded Borstell the Order of Saint George, 3rd Class. He was promoted to General of the Cavalry in 1825 and awarded the Order of the Black Eagle in 1832. He retired in 1840 and died in Berlin on May 9, 1844. Borstell was elected an honorary citizen of Berlin, and a street bears his name in his memory.