Henning Alexander von Kleist facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henning Alexander von Kleist
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Henning Alexander von Kleist
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| Born | 4 May 1677 Raddatz, Pomerania |
| Died | 21 August 1749 (aged 72) Berlin, Prussia |
| Allegiance |  Prussia |
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Prussian Army |
| Years of service | 1699–1747 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Commands held | Anhalt (Infantry) Regiment (Regiment Anhalt zu Fuss) (1718–1723) Infantry Regiment No. 26 (1730–1749) |
| Battles/wars | War of Spanish Succession Great Northern War
War of the Austrian Succession
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| Awards | Order of the Black Eagle Pour le Merite |
| Spouse(s) | Albertine Marie von Biedersee |
Henning Alexander von Kleist (1676/77–1749) was an important Prussian military leader in the 1700s. He became a Field Marshal, which is the highest rank in the army.
He fought in several major wars of his time. These included the War of Spanish Succession, the Great Northern War, and the Wars of Austrian Succession. His bravery and skill at the Battle of Mollwitz made him famous. He was a strong supporter of the Prussian army under Kings Frederick William I and Frederick the Great.
Contents
Family and Early Life
Henning Alexander von Kleist came from a very old family. The Kleist family had been serving the Dukes of Pomerania since the 1100s. Over time, many members of this family became generals, poets, scientists, and thinkers.
Henning was born on May 4, either in 1676 or 1677. His birthplace was Raddatz in Pomerania. He was the third son of Joachim Daniel von Kleist. His mother was Maria Catherine von Ramel.
He had several brothers and sisters. One of his brothers, Philipp Heinrich, fought in the War of Spanish Succession for France. Another brother, Richard Christian, also served in the military.
Military Career
Kleist served in the Prussian army under three different kings. He joined the army in 1698 or 1699. He fought in many battles from the start of the War of Spanish Succession in 1701.
He learned a lot about warfare from famous commanders like Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau. Kleist fought in important battles like the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. He also helped break the siege at Turin in 1706.
After these wars, he fought in the Great Northern War. He took part in the long Siege of Stralsund (1711–15). In 1718, he became the leader of his own regiment. He retired from the army in 1723.
Return to Service and Key Battles
In 1726, King Frederick William I called Kleist back to duty. By 1730, he was in charge of Infantry Regiment No. 26. He stayed in this role until he died. During the 1730s, he became a trusted commander of Prince Frederick, who later became King Frederick the Great.
During the War of Austrian Succession, Kleist was a lieutenant general. He commanded the city of Kolberg. He played a key role in the Battle of Mollwitz in 1741. His infantry regiment held its ground even when the Prussian cavalry retreated. They then attacked the Austrian army with great force.
Kleist was wounded in this battle. His regiment's actions showed their excellent training and discipline. Prussian soldiers also had better technology, like iron ramrods, which helped them fire faster. After the battle, he received two high honors: the Order of the Black Eagle and the Order Pour le Mérite.
In 1744, during the Silesian Wars, Kleist captured a special carriage. This carriage was covered in gold and had belonged to Jan Sobieski, a famous Polish king. Kleist gave this carriage to his local church.
Promotions and Later Life
In 1745, Kleist was promoted to General of Infantry. Two years later, in 1747, he reached the highest rank: field marshal. This promotion happened after a large army review. He was promoted along with several other important generals.
Kleist became ill in 1749. He passed away on August 22, 1749, at the age of 73.
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Promotions
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Descendants
Henning Alexander von Kleist married Albertine Marie von Biedersee. They had ten children together: seven sons and three daughters.
One of their sons, Leopold, was born in 1719. He also joined the military and became a colonel. Another son, Wilhelm Christoph, born in 1727, became a knight of St. John. He later served as a captain in the Seven Years' War.
Kleist's nephew, also named Henning Alexander von Kleist, also served in the Prussian army.
See also
In Spanish: Henning Alexander von Kleist para niños
