His father was Andreas Erhard von Gaudi, a Prussian colonel who died in action near Habelschwerdt on 14 February 1745.
[1] Gaudi came from a noble, originally Scottish family, which had served the rulers of Brandenburg for more than 100 years.
In 1760 he distinguished himself in the Battle of Strehlen, and was rewarded with the Pour le Mérite and a promotion to major.
[1] In 1778 he was supposed to serve in the War of the Bavarian Succession, but had a riding accident near Hildesheim and broke his leg.
[1] Friedrich Wilhelm von Gaudi died on 13 December 1788 as governor of the Wesel citadel.