Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches | |
|---|---|
 Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches (unknown artist) | |
| Commander, Imperial Army in Flanders | |
| In office 1673–1674 | |
| Governor of Komárom | |
| In office 1664–1682 | |
| Governor of Špilberk Castle | |
| In office 1648–1663 | |
| Monarch | Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Military commander of Brno | |
| In office 1645–1646 | |
| Monarch | Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 August 1608 La Rochelle, France |
| Died | 11 August 1682 (aged 73) Jevišovice, Moravia |
| Resting place | Church of St. James (Brno) |
| Occupation | Soldier and landowner |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Swedish Empire 1629-1642 Habsburg monarchy |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Battles/wars |
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Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches (16 August 1608 to 12 August 1682), [a] was a French-born professional soldier, who served in the Swedish and Imperial armies. A capable officer who reached the rank of Field Marshal, his career was marred by a tendency to quarrel with his colleagues and superiors.
Born into a family of minor French Protestant nobility, de Souches went into exile after the Siege of La Rochelle in 1629. He served in the Swedish army when it entered the Thirty Years' War against Emperor Ferdinand III, and by 1642 was colonel of an infantry regiment. However, he fell out with his superior officer and switched sides, joining the Imperial army.
His successful defence of Brno in 1645 established his reputation, and he was promoted Field Marshal in 1664. When Emperor Leopold joined the Franco-Dutch War in 1673, de Souches was appointed commander of Imperial forces in the Low Countries. A poor relationship with their Dutch and Spanish allies led to his removal in December 1674, ending his military career.
De Souches retired to his estates in at Jevišovice in Moravia, where he died on 12 August 1682 and was buried in the Church of St. James (Brno).
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