Petr Vitgenshteyn Military figure. Date of Birth: 25.12.1768 Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Persian Campaign and Military Service
3. Napoleonic Wars
4. Savior of St. Petersburg
5. Battle of Polotsk and Pursuit of Napoleon
6. Final Campaigns and Later Life

Early Life and Military Career

Peter Wittgenstein was born into a German aristocratic family. His father entered the Russian military under Empress Elizabeth and retired with the rank of lieutenant general. At the age of thirteen, Wittgenstein was assigned to the elite Leib-Guard Semyonovsky Regiment. In 1789, he transferred to the Leib-Guard Horse Regiment and was promoted to officer a year later. In 1793, he served in the Ukrainian Light Horse Regiment, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.

In 1794, Wittgenstein fought against Polish insurgents and commanded a squadron in the Battle of Ostrołęka, where he captured an enemy battery and earned the Order of St. George, 4th degree. He ended the campaign with the rank of colonel.

Persian Campaign and Military Service

In 1796, Wittgenstein participated in the Persian Campaign under General Valeri Zubov, where he distinguished himself in the assault on Derbent. He was sent to St. Petersburg to report the victory and deliver the keys to the city. In 1798, he became colonel and later commander of the Elisabethgrad Hussar Regiment with the rank of major general. However, like many generals, he fell out of favor with Emperor Paul I and was dismissed from service.

With the accession of Alexander I in 1801, Wittgenstein was reinstated as commander of the regiment. In 1805, he fought in the War of the Third Coalition against France and Austria, and was decorated with the Order of St. George, 3rd degree, for his actions at the Battle of Amstetten.

Napoleonic Wars

From 1806 to 1807, Wittgenstein fought against the Turks in Moldavia and the French in East Prussia, receiving several military awards. By the start of the Patriotic War of 1812, he was a lieutenant general commanding the 1st Infantry Corps.

Savior of St. Petersburg

When Napoleon invaded Russia, Wittgenstein's corps withdrew along with the rest of Barclay de Tolly's 1st Army. After the decision to abandon the Drissa fortified camp, Wittgenstein was tasked with protecting the roads leading to St. Petersburg.

Napoleon deployed General Macdonald's corps towards Riga and General Oudinot's towards Sebezh and Pskov. Wittgenstein skillfully divided his forces, first confronting Oudinot at the Battle of Klyastitsy and Yakubovo. Despite being wounded in the battle, he led his troops to victory, capturing thousands of French prisoners.

The victory lifted spirits in St. Petersburg and earned Wittgenstein the title "Savior of St. Petersburg." He was also awarded the Order of St. George, 2nd degree. Macdonald's offensive was halted, and Napoleon was forced to send General Saint-Cyr's corps to support Oudinot.

Battle of Polotsk and Pursuit of Napoleon

Reinforced by militia and other units, Wittgenstein advanced in October and drove Saint-Cyr and Oudinot from Polotsk. On October 19th, he defeated Oudinot and Victor at the Battle of Chasniki. Following Alexander I's plan, he then moved towards Borisov, coordinating with General Chichchagov's 3rd Army.

However, both Wittgenstein and Chichchagov failed to calculate their movements accurately, allowing Napoleon to cross the Berezina River and continue his retreat.

Final Campaigns and Later Life

After Napoleon's expulsion from Russia, Wittgenstein's corps operated on the right flank of the Russian army. He occupied Königsberg and played a key role in the liberation of Berlin. In 1813, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the allied Russian and Prussian forces but resigned after the Battle of Bautzen.

In the subsequent campaigns in Germany and France, Wittgenstein commanded a corps, participating in the Battle of Bar-sur-Aube in February 1814. He was wounded in the battle but remained in command until victory.

Returning to Russia, Wittgenstein was appointed commander of the 2nd Army and promoted to general-field marshal in 1826. He commanded the Danube Army in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-29, but his performance was criticized, and he resigned his commission.

In his final years, Wittgenstein lived in retirement in Kamenka, Podolia Governorate. Despite his unsuccessful command in the last war, he remained respected for his integrity and military service. He was granted the title of prince in 1834 and died in 1843.