Wilhelm Dietrich Wakenitz

William Dietrich von Wakenitz, also Wackenitz or Wacknitz, 2 August 1728 on the family estate at Neu Boltenhagen–9 January 1805 in Kassel). He served in the Prussian army during the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War as a cavalry officer; subsequently, he served the Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel as general and finance minister.

Family Wakenitz was born on his father's estate in Boltenhagen. His father, Karl Philipp Wakenitz (1697–1739) was a lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Army. His mother was Charlotte Louise von Örtzen (* 1699) from Blümenow.

Prussian service Wakenitz entered military service on 9 July 1744, as a cornet in the Gardes du Corps. During the second Silesian War, he was instrumental in the Battle of Hohenfriedberg, and received with several other officers the Order Pour le Mérite.