Johannes Rietmann

Johannes Rietmann (* around March 14, 1679 in Neunkirch ; † February 23, 1765 in Schaffhausen ) was a traveler in Dutch and Sardinian-Piedmontese services who rose to the rank of general.

Life

Johannes Rietmann was born as one of seven children. His father was a theologian and teacher. As was widespread at the time of his birth, Johannes Rietmann served as a mercenary under foreign rulers. In 1696 he entered the Dutch service as a cadet . Six years later he was promoted to flag junior and in 1703 changed to Piedmontese services. The War of the Spanish Succession took place at this time. Shortly after joining, he was promoted to captain lieutenant. From 1705 to 1706 he fought in the siege of the Verrua fortress. He received an injury to his arm. In recognition of his bravery, he was appointed captain in 1707. In the further course of the war he distinguished himself several times, so that in 1713, two months after the peace was made, he was appointed major en second. In 1725 he rose to major en titre, and in 1730 to lieutenant colonel. In 1732 he was promoted to colonel after his former superior died.

Johannes Rietmann continued to fight in the War of the Polish Succession . With his regiment he earned a lot of honor at the battle of Guastalla , so that he was promoted to brigadier in 1735. His military career was crowned in 1737 when he was appointed maréchal de camp (major general / divisional officer) by royal decree and thus advanced to the rank of general. In this position he took part in the successful campaign against Modena and Mirandola in the War of the Austrian Succession .

In 1743 Johannes Rietmann had to quit work due to physical complaints. He then received from the Sardinian king, who had raised him to the nobility in 1734, a pension of 6000 livres until the end of his life. Johannes Rietmann moved back to Schaffhausen in the mansion at Thiergarten, which he had bought in 1727 . There he spent the rest of his life until he died on February 23, 1765, at the age of 86. The funeral that was given to him three days later showed in its splendor the respect of the Schaffhausen citizens for the deceased.

literature

• Hans Ulrich Wipf: Johannes Rietmann . In: Schaffhauser Contributions to History. Biographies Volume IV . 58th year 1981, pp. 231–235 ( PDF )

Web links

• Wolfgang Göldi: Rietmann, Johannes. In: Historical Lexicon of Switzerland .