Zieten

Zieten (or ZIETHEN), HANS JOACHIM VON, Prussian cavalry general, was born at Wustrau in Ruppin, 14th (24th) May 1699, entered the service at fifteen, but retired in 1724, only to rejoin in 1726. A quarrel with his captain brought him a year's imprisonment and dismissal from the service, but in 1730 he was rehabilitated. As colonel of a regiment of hussars (1741) he did much to increase the efficiency of the Prussian light cavalry. In 1744 at the head of the advanced guard he burst into Bohemia, and then executed a dexterous retreat behind the Elbe, in the course of which he beat back an attack of 16,000 men at Moldau-Tein (12th October). He covered himself with glory at Hohenfriedeberg (4th June 1745), and, throughout the Seven Years' War, at Prague, Collin, Leuthen, and Liegnitz, where he was made general of cavalry on the battlefield (15th August 1760). The victory at Torgau (3d November 1760) was in great measure due to his dash and vigour. After the peace 'Old Father Zieten' lived out his days in retirement at Berlin, in especial favour with the king, and died 26th January 1786. See Life by Winter (2 vols. 1885).