Russian Generals of the Napoleonic Wars: General Peter Ludwig Wittgenstein

By Alexander Mikaberidze, FINS

(1769 - 1843)

Prince Peter Ludwig Wittgenstein, son of a Prussian general in the Russian service, he fought in Poland and Caucasus in the 1790s. In 1801, he was appointed commander of the Elizavetgrad Hussars Regiment and participated in the 1805 Campaign against Napoleon. In 1806, he was transferred to the Moldavian Army and fought the Turks. He returned to Poland the next year to fight the French. In 1812 he commanded a detached corps and covered St. Petersburg. After his victory at Polotsk in November 1812, he was called “the Savior of St. Petersburg.” In 1813, he occupied Berlin and succeeded Kutuzov in command of the Russian armies. After defeats at Lützen and Bautzen, Wittgenstein resigned but remained in the army. He was seriously wounded during the 1814 campaign in France. In 1818, he was given command of the 2nd Army and became a member of the State Council. During the Russo-Turkish War he commanded the Russian army and captured Macin and Braila in 1828. The next year he resigned and retired to his estate. In 1834, the King of Prussia conferred on him the title of Prince.

Placed on the Napoleon Series: September 2002

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