Ernst Gideon von Laudon, one of Austria’s ablest military leaders, came from a poor noble family of Scottish origin settled in Livonia. He became famous during the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), when he boldly attacked a transport of supplies destined for the Prussian army besieging Olomouc.
Laudon first served in the Russian service, then unsuccessfully applied to join the Prussian service. From 1742 he served in the Austrian army. During the Seven Years’ War he proved his bravery in attacking a transport supplying the Prussian army besieging Olomouc. After the end of the war he was appointed field armourer. In 1759 he settled in Bohemia. On the battlefield he again became famous in the war against the Turks in 1788-1789, when he managed to capture Belgrade. He became commander-in-chief of the Austrian army and was one of the most popular commanders among the soldiers.
