Michael von Kienmayer
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Michael von Kienmayer (January 17, 1755 - October 18, 1828) was an Austrian general who was active during the Napoleonic Wars.
[edit] Early career
Kienmayer began his military career in 1774 as a cadet in the imperial Austrian 26th Puebla de Portugalo Infantry Regiment. In 1775 he was promoted second lieutenant in the 8th Jung-Modena Dragoon Regiment. As a member of the 35th Barco Hussar Regiment, he participated in the War of the Bavarian Succession in 1778.
From 1787 through 1792 he participated in the Austro-Turkish war, being promoted major in 1788. He was awarded the Military Order of Maria Theresa (Austria's highest honor for valor) in 1789 for bravery in the face of the enemy, and promoted first to lieutenant colonel, then full colonel.
[edit] Napoleonic wars
Kienmayer commanded the 35th Barco Hussar Regiment in the War of the First Coalition in 1793. He fought at Rovroi and Tournay in 1794 and was promoted major general (one star) for outstanding achievement.
In 1798, he participated in the War of the Second Coalition as commander of the 10th Meszaros Hussar Regiment. He fought at Ostrach and the battle of Stockach. He was made a second lieutenant field marshal (two stars) and division commander. The next summer he fought at Biberach and led a column at the battle of Hohenlinden in the winter campaign. He became proprietor (inhaber) of the 8th Hussar Regiment in 1802.
In 1805, he served in the War of the Third Coalition as a corps commander. He served under Mack in the Ulm Campaign, successfully extricating his corps from a French attempt at encirclement and avoiding the fate of Mack's army. He commanded the advance guard of the Allied left wing at the Battle of Austerlitz, where he captured Tellnitz village and stubbornly covered Buxhowden's withdrawal before being forced to retreat.
He led the II Reserve Corps in the War of the Fifth Coalition in 1809. After the Battle of Eckmühl, his command was merged with the I Reserve Corps. He fought with distinction at the Battle of Aspern-Essling where he commanded a reserve cavalry division. He later commanded the XI Corps and defeated General Junot at the Battle of Gefrees. He was made general of cavalry (three stars), and given further honors. He did not hold an active command in the campaigns of 1813 and 1814, possibly due to illness.
[edit] External links
- Detailed biography (in German)
- Bowden and Tarbox, Armies on the Danube, Empire Press, 1980.
- Smith, Digby, Napoleonic Wars Data Book, Greenhill, 1998.
