Gustaf Wachtmeister

He was born into an aristocratic Swedish family in 1757 and, as was common for sons of Swedish noble families, embarked on military life at a young age, receiving a commission as an ensign in 1772. In 1778 he went abroad to gain experience on campaign, joining the Prussian Army fighting Austria in the War of the Bavarian Succession from 1778 to 1779.

Returning to Sweden, Wachtmeister's career flourished and by 1780 he had a posting as a lieutenant-colonel commanding a battalion in the provincial Dalarna Regiment. He went on to fight against Russia at the Battle of Valkeala and in numerous others until the war ended in 1790 without any real gain for either country.

His later battles were mainly fought against Napoleon in Pomerania and against Russia who in 1809 invaded Sweden after a military coup overthrew the current King Gustav IV. The new King Charles XIII ordered Wachtmeister to attack the Russians behind enemy lines which he did at the battles of Sävar and Ratan.

After the battles of Ratan and Sävar during which he retreated his men back to the coast, where they were sheltered by Naval guns, he was considered to have not acted with sufficient boldness by his superiors, and was given the option to retire voluntarily to his estates. He died in 1826, at age of 68 years, five days before his 69th birthday.

• David, Saul War From Ancient Egypt to Iraq, Dorling Kindersley, 2009.

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