Joseph Radetzky von Radetz

Joseph Radetzky von Radetz
Portrait by Georg Decker
Governor-General of Lombardy–Venetia
In office
1848–1857
MonarchFranz Joseph I
Preceded byRainer Joseph of Austria (Viceroy)
Succeeded byFerdinand Maximilian of Austria (Viceroy)
Personal details
Born(1766-11-02)2 November 1766
Třebnice, Kingdom of Bohemia, Holy Roman Empire (today Czech Republic)
Died5 January 1858(1858-01-05) (aged 91)
Milan, Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia, Austrian Empire (today Italy)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance Habsburg monarchy
Branch/serviceAustrian Army during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars,
Imperial Austrian Army of 1806–1867
Years of service1785–1858
RankField Marshal
Battles/wars

Johann Graf Radetzky von Radetz (2 November 1766 – 5 January 1858) was a Czech nobleman and Austrian field marshal. He served as chief of the general staff in the Habsburg monarchy during the later period of the Napoleonic Wars and proved instrumental in the allied victory as one of the primary architects of the Trachenberg Plan and the Leipzig Campaign. Afterwards, he embarked on military reforms of the Austrian army. His reputation was one of discipline and fairness; he was revered by his troops among whom he was known as Vater ('Father') Radetzky. He is best known for the victories at the Battles of Custoza (24–25 July 1848) and Novara (23 March 1849) during the First Italian War of Independence. Johann Strauss I's Radetzky March was commissioned to commemorate Radetzky's victories at the Battle of Custoza.[1]

  1. ^ "Radetzky March | work by Strauss I". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2019-12-12.