Loudon, GIDEON ERNST, FREIHERR VON

Loudon, GIDEON ERNST, FREIHERR VON, Austrian generalissimo, was born on 2d February 1716, at Tootzen, in Livonia, whither his ancestor had migrated from Ayrshire in the 14th century. In 1732 he entered the Russian service, but ten years later exchanged into that of Austria, soon afterwards marrying and turning Catholic. In the Seven Years' War he won the title of Freiherr (Baron) at Hochkirch (1758); at Kunersdorf (1759) he turned defeat into victory; and his loss of the battle of Liegnitz (1760) was due mainly to Lacy and Daun. As field-marshall he commanded in the war of the Bavarian succession (1778), and against the Turks (1788-89), capturing Belgrade and Semendria. He died at Neutitschein, 14th July 1790. For an admirable estimate of his great military genius, see his Life by Colonel Malleson (Lond. 1884).