Heinrich von Manteuffel

Heinrich von Manteuffel (7 November 1696 – 10 July 1778), was a Prussian lieutenant general. He participated in the Pomeranian campaign of 1715 and the first two of Frederick's Silesian wars, was wounded at Chotusitz, and commanded an infantry regiment at the beginning of the Seven Years' War. He received the Order of the Black Eagle, the Order Pour le Merite and his name is inscribed on the Equestrian statue of Frederick the Great.

Family Heinrich Manteuffel was born in Groß-Poplow, Pomerania (Popielewo) on 7 November 1696, the son of Ewald von Manteuffel (1645–1723) and Sophie von Kameke (died 26 July 1699). He joined the Prussian military as a young man. Manteuffel's military career modeled that of other Junker sons. Many of the Junkers owned immense estates, especially in the north-eastern half of Germany (i.e. the Prussian provinces of Brandenburg, Pomerania, Silesia, West Prussia, East Prussia and Posen)). Their younger sons followed careers as soldiers (Fahnenjunker) (the Junkers controlled the Prussian Army).

Career Manteuffel joined the Prussian military in 1713 as a Fahnenjunker in the 24th Regiment. He advanced through the ranks, seeing action under command of Kurt Christoph Graf von Schwerin. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a cool head even in the heat of battle; at the Battle of Prague, he showed considerable courage in picking up the fallen regimental flag, handing it to a Junker to carry, and leading his regiment forward despite intensive cannon fire.

In the spring of 1759, when Dohna went to Berlin to recuperate from illness, Manteuffel assumed Dohna's command. In the middle of May, Manteuffel led the greater part of the troops to Stargard against the Russians.