Johann David Ludwig Graf Yorck von Wartenburg was born on 26 September 1759 in Potsdam, Prussia. His father, David Jonathan von Yorck, served as a captain in the Prussian Army under King Frederick the Great, while his mother, Maria Sophia Pflug, was the daughter of a Potsdam artisan. The family lineage traced back to Pomeranian Kashubians. Ludwig's father changed the family name from Jark(a) to Yorck to align with English conventions.Yorck joined the Prussian Army in 1772 and achieved the rank of lieutenant by 1777. However, he was dismissed for insubordination after criticizing a superior during the War of the Bavarian Succession. Following a year of confinement, he was denied re-employment by King Frederick the Great. In 1781, he left Prussia to join Swiss mercenaries in Dutch service, participating in operations in the East Indies and battles against the British in Cape Town. After returning to Prussia in 1786, he was reinstated in the army by Frederick William II and rose to the rank of major by 1792. He distinguished himself during the Kościuszko Uprising in Poland in 1794-1795.From 1799, Yorck gained recognition as a commander of a light infantry regiment, emphasizing skirmisher training. In 1805, he commanded an infantry brigade during the War of the Fourth Coalition and played a significant role as a rearguard commander in the Jena campaign. He was captured at Lübeck after sustaining severe wounds. Following the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807, Yorck became a key figure in the reorganization of the Prussian army. He initially served as major-general commanding the West Prussian brigade and later as inspector-general of light infantry. He was appointed second in command to General Grawert, who supported the French alliance, while Yorck remained a Prussian patriot.During the campaign against Russia, Yorck faced the Russian General Steingel and successfully forced the enemy's retreat to Riga. As the French Grand Army began to falter, Yorck found himself isolated and faced a critical decision regarding his allegiance. On 20 December 1812, he signed the Convention of Tauroggen armistice with General Diebitsch, declaring the Prussian corps neutral without royal consent. This act was met with enthusiasm but led to his temporary suspension from command. Eventually, he was absolved when the Treaty of Kalisz aligned Prussia with the Allies, marking a pivotal moment in Prussian history.On 17 March 1813, Yorck entered Berlin amid patriotic celebrations, coinciding with the king's declaration of war on France. Throughout 1813-1814, he led his forces with notable success, covering Blücher's retreat after Bautzen and contributing to victories at the Katzbach and Leipzig. His corps won the action of Wartenburg on 3 October and played a crucial role in the Battle of the Nations on 18 October. In the 1815 campaign, Yorck was assigned to a reserve corps and eventually retired from the army, feeling his services were no longer needed. His resignation was not accepted immediately, and he was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall in 1821. He had been made Graf Yorck von Wartenburg in 1814 and spent his later years on his estate in Silesia, a gift from the king. A statue honoring him was erected in Berlin in 1855.

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Ludwig Yorck von Wartenburg