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Petr BannerLieutenant General, participant in the Seven Years' War, chief of artillery in Kazan
Date of Birth: 01.01.1715
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service
- Secret Mission and Field Artillery
- Seven Years' War
- Military Honors and Retirement
- Death
Early Life and Education
Lieutenant General Wilhelm Friedrich von Banner was born in Finland in 1715. His family originated in Denmark, from where his father moved to Russia in 1704 to serve in the army. Banner received his education in engineering and artillery at home. In 1731, he passed an examination at the Artillery Drawing School in St. Petersburg and was appointed as a conductor in the Engineer Corps. Three years later, he transferred to the artillery with the rank of sergeant.
Military Service
In 1735, Banner was sent to the army operating against the Turks with artillery supplies. He participated in the capture of Azov in 1736 and in naval operations the following year. For his bravery, he was promoted to ensign. In 1738, he took part in the second capture of Perekop and earned the rank of second lieutenant. He remained in Crimea until the end of the campaign.
Secret Mission and Field Artillery
In 1742, Banner was assigned to a secret expedition under Lieutenant General Prince Bakar of Georgia to Astrakhan. He was tasked with drafting a project for the fortification of the city. The following year, he presented his proposal to the Military Collegium. In 1747, Banner was transferred to the field artillery in Riga.
Seven Years' War
At the outbreak of the Seven Years' War in 1757, Banner was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He was dispatched to Pillau and Königsberg with supplies for the siege artillery. He was rewarded with the rank of colonel for his exceptional service. In 1759, he joined the army and participated in various battles until their return to Russia.
Military Honors and Retirement
In 1763, Banner was promoted to major general. For his long years of service, he received the Order of St. George, 4th degree, in 1770. In 1773, he attained the rank of lieutenant general. In 1778, he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 1st degree. In 1780, he was appointed as the head of artillery in Kazan. Due to his advanced age, he was discharged from service in 1783 with a full pension.
