Michael Kienmayer Austrian general, participant in the Napoleonic Wars, Governor-General of Galicia. Date of Birth: 17.01.1755 Country: Austria

1. Birth and Early Military Career
2. War Against the Ottoman Empire
3. French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
4. War of the Third Coalition
5. War of the Fifth Coalition
6. Later Career
7. Retirement and Death

Birth and Early Military Career

Johann Nepomuk von Kinsky was born on January 17, 1755, in Vienna, Austria. He entered military service as a cadet in the 26th Infantry Regiment in 1774. In 1775, he was promoted to Lieutenant in the 8th Dragoon Regiment, and in 1778, he joined the 35th Hussar Regiment as a Second Captain. He participated in the War of the Bavarian Succession.

War Against the Ottoman Empire

Kinsky took part in the Austro-Turkish War (1787-1790). In 1788, he was promoted to Major for his bravery, and in the same year, he received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa.

French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

During the early campaigns against the French Republic, Kinsky commanded the 35th Hussar Regiment and rose to the rank of Major General in 1794. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Hohenlinden in 1800 and commanded a division by the end of the campaign. After the Peace of Lunéville, he became the Colonel of the 8th Hussar Regiment.

War of the Third Coalition

In 1805, at the outbreak of the War of the Third Coalition, Kinsky was stationed at Donauwörth with his division. Forced to retreat by the rapid French advances, he fell back to Munich and then to the River Inn to meet the approaching Russian forces. He commanded the cavalry rearguard during the Battle of Austerlitz.

War of the Fifth Coalition

In the 1809 campaign, Kinsky commanded the 2nd Reserve Corps under Archduke Karl. He was later assigned to lead the left flank. After the Austrian victory at Aspern, he was tasked with raiding the enemy's rear in Franconia and Saxony. He occupied Dresden but was forced to withdraw to Bohemia after the approach of King Jerome of Westphalia.

Later Career

In 1809, Kinsky was awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa and appointed Commander-in-Chief in Bohemia. In 1810, he became the Inspector-General of Imperial Horse Breeding Establishments and was promoted to General of the Cavalry. In 1813, he was appointed Governor-General of Galicia, and in 1814, to the same post in Transylvania. From 1816, he was a member of the Austrian Privy Council.

Retirement and Death

In 1820, Kinsky commanded the troops in Moravia and Silesia. He retired from active service in 1824 and died in Vienna on October 18, 1828.