Gustaf Wachtmeister
Gustaf Wachtmeister | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Wachtmeister | |
| Nickname(s) | The King's Right Arm |
| Born | 25 July 1757 Karlskrona, Sweden |
| Died | 20 July 1826 (aged 68) Nääs säteri, Sweden |
| Allegiance | |
| Service | Swedish Army |
| Years of service | 1770–1809 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles / wars | |
Gustaf Wachtmeister (25 July 1757 – 20 July 1826) 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.