Ignaz zu Hardegg

Ignaz Franz Graf zu Hardegg auf Glatz und im Marchlande (Vienna, 30 July 1772 - Vienna, 17 February 1848) was an Austrian General of the cavalry. He was an important commander during the Napoleonic Wars and from 1831 to 1848 President of the Hofkriegsrat. Biography Ignaz Graf zu Hardegg came from the ancient Lower Austrian noble Hardegg family. His two younger brothers Johann Anton (1773-1825) and Johann Heinrich (1778-1854) also reached high positions in the Austrian military. He had his first war experiences at the age of 16, under Laudon in the Austro-Turkish War (1788–1791). Promoted to Rittmeister in 1792, he took part in the Battle of Jemappes during the First Coalition War in the same year. In 1795 he fought with distinction in the Battle of Handschuchsheim and received the Military Order of Maria Theresa for his services. In 1796 he served in Germany and in 1800 was able to repulse an attack from Breisach. For this act he was commended by Archduke Karl in the general staff and promoted to major. Hardegg, who had now been promoted to colonel and commander of the Schwarzenberg regiment, was unable to participate in the Campaign of 1805 due to illness.