Region Lanškrounsko

Generation after generation took over a song documenting that at one time certain general lived, he was popular at wide social classes and his fame exceeded time line of his days. However, do we know who was the man who get place of honor at right hand side at ceremonial table from Prussian king with words: “General, I am pleased to see you by my side than against me.” According to period characteristics, it was a man exceptionally modest, melancholic in times of relaxation, but choleric at times of actions. Overall said – man without condition to be courtier of bureaucrat – in this group he did not feel good as well.

Laudon was not adventurer as “pandoor” Trenck under who he started his military career but many globe-trotters could envy his life destiny. He came from poor noble family from Baltic states and already at age of 15 he joined the Russian army. Later, he applied for officer position at Prussian king but stable reception he found in Habsburg Empire; he was in service of Habsburg Empire for fifty years. Coincidentally he was contemporary of Marie Terezie (he is one year older) and shortly outlived her son Josef II. Laudon forged from rank of Major to sub-marshal only in three years 1757-1759. He so scared his enemies that they used swear word: “Himmel Laudon!” He became pike in still waters of rigid strategy and tactic of armies of absolutism epoch. With the exception of one case, he defeated armies of Bedřich Veliký himself.

Laudon get to know Czech countries from maps and from own experience like hardly any Habsburg generals and he could make war in this terrain not only with compasses but also with saber and bridle in his hand. In 1769-1776, he served as commanding general in Moravia but he get to know Czech countries as well as from civil side because underwent treatment in Karlovy Vary and managed his manor in Bečváry and Bečvárky near Kolín. Czech countries once again and for the last time came into his destiny. Where he conquer many magnificent victories, he came to die. He walked many European countries and then he finished his long wandering in Moravian town of Nový Jičín.