BERG, Burhardt Maximovic (Bernhardt Magnus)

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BERG, Burhardt Maximovic (Bernhardt Magnus), (b. 19 May, 1764, Derpt – d. 31 July 1838, Vyborg) was born to a German noble family in the Derpt in the Lifland gubernia. At the age of ten, he was enlisted by his family as a sergeant in the Voronezh Infantry Regiment on 20 January 1774. The following year, he was promoted to ensign (20 December) and served as adjutant to General Ingelstrom. He participated in the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-1791 and was awarded a golden cross for the capture of Ismail. In 1799, he took part in the expedition to Holland. After his return to Russia, he was promoted to colonel (1 September 1801) and appointed to the Imperial Retinue. In 1805, he was dispatched on a diplomatic mission to Sweden to facilitate the Russian landings in Swedish Pomerania.
 
Berg participated in the 1806-1807 Campaigns and distinguished himself at Pultusk and Eylau (was wounded in the right arm); for his actions, he was awarded the Order of St. George (4th class) on 10 February, 1807, and promoted to major general on 24 August, 1807. Berg then fought against the Swedes in Finland from 1808-1809. In 1812, he served as a quartermaster general of the Army of Danube and took part in operations on the Berezina and around Vilna. In 1813, Berg fought at Thorn, Lutzen and Bautzen, receiving the order of St. George (3rd class, 6 May, 1813). On 19 July, he was appointed a quartermaster general of the Army of Poland and fought at Leipzig in October. In 1814, he took part in the sieges of Magdeburg and Hamburg. Through 1816-1818, Berg served as chief of staff of the 2nd Corps and, in July 1819, was appointed commandant of Vyborg. He was promoted to lieutenant general on 3 August, 1826. During his career, he received the Orders of St. Anna with diamonds, of St. Vladimir (3rd class), of St. John of Jerusalem, the Prussian Pour le Merite, a golden sword for courage and a medal “For L Years of Distinguished Service.”
 
Source: MIKABERIDZE Alexander, The Russian Officer Corps in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, 1792-1815, New York: Savas Beatie, 2005, pp.36-37.

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