Friedrich Wilhelm Von Seydlitz (redirected from Friedrich Wilhelm Seydlitz)

Seydlitz, Friedrich Wilhelm Von 

(full name, F. W. von Seydlitz-Kurzbach). Born Feb. 3, 1721, in Kalkar; died Nov. 8, 1773, in Ohlau. A baron, Prussian cavalry general (1767).

Beginning in 1738, Seydlitz served in the cavalry and distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) by his decisiveness and bravery. He successfully commanded cavalry units during the Seven Years’ War (1756–63), especially in the battles of Kolin (1757), Rossbach (1757), Zorndorf (1758), and Freiburg (1762). Made general inspector of the Silesian cavalry inspectorate in 1763, he became the actual commander of the entire Prussian cavalry. Seydlitz’s actions were characterized by a thorough preparation of the personnel and the horses, vigorous attack, skillful maneuver, and rapid reorganization of the battle formations. He was a great cavalry commander and created the best cavalry of his time. F. Engels in his works expressed a high opinion of Seydlitz.

REFERENCES

Marx, K., and F. Engels. Soch., 2nd ed., vol. 14, pp. 36, 308.