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COMMANDER // 1757–1826

Gustaf Wachtmeister

generalSweden2 battles2 wars

Lifespan

17571826

1760177017801790180018101820Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790 · 1788-1790Finnish War · 1808-1809Battle of Valkeala — April 28, 1790 · Sweden · Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790Battle of Ratan — August 20, 1809 · Sweden · Finnish War

Active service 1790–18092 battles across 2 wars; first command at age 33.

Profile

Gustaf Wachtmeister was a Swedish Army officer made famous at the Battle of Valkeala in Finland in 1789 against Russia where he was wounded by a musket shot to his arm, which had to be amputated. He was made the hero of the hour by King Gustav III who was in desperate need of publicity as he tried to silence domestic opposition with a crushing victory over Russia.

Source · Wikipedia · Q2598354

Battles (2)

Last verified June 2026
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