He came from the Russian nobility of the St. Petersburg Governorate, a native of the city of Saint Petersburg, born on 29 January 1772. After completing his studies at the First Cadet Corps, which he graduated from on 19 June 1790, he was accepted into service with the rank of lieutenant in the Pskov Musketeer Regiment. In the same year, during military operations against the Swedes in Prince Charles Nassau-Siegen's Rowing Fleet [ru] and in the army corps of ru:General Fyodor Numsen (until 1794), he proved himself to be a brave and decisive commander. In 1794, he wished to take part in the war with Poland and was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree, for his services.[3]
On 30 June 1799, for some omission in his Kexholm Musketeer Regiment during a parade, he was, by order of Paul I of Russia, expelled from service; but already on 16 November of the following year he was again accepted into the same regiment. On 19 November 1800, he was promoted to colonel, and in 1803 he was appointed commander of the Kexholm regiment. In the following years, in 1805 and 1807, he fought against French troops, demonstrating his military talents and leadership qualities, namely at the battles of Heilsberg and Friedland. In 1806, he became the chief of the Pernau Musketeer Regiment.[3]
He particularly distinguished himself during the war with Sweden in 1808–09 – namely at the Siege of Sveaborg and the Battle of Lemo – which led to his promotion to major general on 6 July 1808. In 1812, he commanded a brigade of the 11th Infantry Division and took part in the important battles of Ostrovno and Smolensk. During the Battle of Borodino, he defended the tactically important Raevsky redoubt and soon after took command of the entire 11th Infantry Division (after the death of ru:General Nikolai Bakhmetev).[3]
His outstanding actions were noted during the capture of Vyazma, for which he was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree. From 1813 to 1814, he commanded the 1st Grenadier Division, actively participating in the blockade of Glogau and the battles of Lützen, Bautzen, Reichenbach, Leipzig, and Arcis-sur-Aube. His military career ended in Paris.[3]
On 5 October 1818, he was discharged from military service due to health reasons, while keeping his uniform. His life's journey ended on 15 April 1832 in his homeland, and he was buried near the church in the village of Koltushi, Shlisselburgsky Uyezd, St. Petersburg Governorate.[3]
Imperial Russian Army
Imperial Russian Navy
