Otto Ferdinand von Abensperg und Traun facts for kids
Otto Ferdinand Graf von Abensperg und Traun (born August 27, 1677 – died February 18, 1748) was an important Austrian military leader. He became a Generalfeldmarschall, which is the highest rank for a general in the army. His family name is usually spelled Abensperg.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Otto Ferdinand was born in Ödenburg. He came from a very old family called Abensberg-Traun. He went to Halle for his education. But in 1693, when he was just 16, he left school to join the army. He fought with the Prussian army in the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and Netherlands).
He gained a lot of experience during the War of the Grand Alliance. After that war ended, he joined the Imperial Army of Austria.
Rising Through the R Ranks
Soon after, the War of the Spanish Succession began. Otto Ferdinand fought bravely in Italy and along the Rhine River until 1709. He became a lieutenant-colonel and an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to Field Marshal Count Guido Starhemberg in Spain.
Just one year later, because of his excellent service, he was promoted to colonel. In 1712, he became the leader of an infantry regiment (a group of soldiers). After this war, he was still very active in the military. He was badly wounded in the battle of Francavilla in Sicily on June 20, 1719. For his actions in southern Italy, he was promoted to Generalfeldwachtmeister (a type of general) in 1723.
In 1727, he became the governor of Messina, a city in Sicily. By 1733, he reached the rank of lieutenant field marshal.
Key Campaigns and Leadership
In 1734, Otto Ferdinand became famous across Europe. He successfully defended the S. Germano pass and then the damaged fortress of Capua during the War of the Polish Succession. He had to surrender Capua on November 30, but he did so with military honors. This meant his troops could march out with their weapons and flags.
After this, he was immediately promoted to Feldzeugmeister (another high general rank). He then took on a difficult role in Hungary. Later, he became the commander-in-chief in northern Italy. He also served as the temporary governor-general of Milan. In this role, he welcomed Maria Theresa when she became the new ruler in 1740. The next year, he was made a full field-marshal.
He led successful campaigns in Italy during the War of the Austrian Succession until 1743. After another general, Field-Marshal Count Khevenhüller, died, Otto Ferdinand became the main military advisor to Prince Charles Alexander of Lorraine. Prince Charles was leading the Austrian army in Bohemia and along the Danube River.
Otto Ferdinand's advice led to brilliant military moves. These included crossing the Rhine River and using clever strategies to force Frederick of Prussia to leave Bohemia and Moravia in 1744 without a major battle.
His last military task was leading an army to Frankfurt. This was to help influence the choice of a new emperor after Charles VII died.
Otto Ferdinand Graf von Abensperg und Traun passed away in Hermannstadt (Sibiu, in present-day Romania) on February 18, 1748. He was buried in the local Jesuit Church.
See also
In Spanish: Otto Ferdinand von Abensberg para niños
- Abensberg-Traun
- Traun (disambiguation)
