Karel Willem Sparre

Last updated
Karel Willem Sparre
Karl Wilhelm Sparre 1661-1709 (Jan de Baen) - Nationalmuseum - 14728 (cropped).tif
Born19 July 1661
Sweden
Died27 October 1710 (aged 4849)
Brussel, Spanish Netherlands
Allegiance
Service/branchInfantry
Rank Lieutenant general
Unit Dutch States Army
Battles/wars

Willem Karel, Baron of Sparre, ( Swedish Empire, 19 July 1661 - Brussels, 27 October 1710 ) was a Swedish soldier who served for most of his career in the Dutch States Army. In this capacity, he took part in the Nine Years' War and played a prominent role in the War of the Spanish Succession. He would die of an injury sustained during the bloody Battle of Malplaquet.

Sicco van Goslinga, one of the Dutch field deputies that accompanied the allied army, and personal friend of Sparre had this to say about Sparre:

Sparre, descended from one of the great families of Sweden, had an outstanding intellect, a penetrating judgment, courage as much as one can have, good conduct and vigilance; he had that quick eye, which is so rare and yet so necessary for a commander in battle; he saw everything, provided for everything, was in one word fit to command an entire army... [1]

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References

  1. Knoop 1867, p. 67.

Sources