Johann Hermann von Fersen

He was involved in the battles at Larga and Kagul during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774 and in the military operations against Yemelyan Pugachev.

In 1792 he was appointed quartermaster-general under Mikhaïl Kretchetnikov in Lithuania and in 1794 he commanded a special corps in Poland.

Under Paul I of Russia he served first as quartermaster-general then commanded the Russian contingent in the failed 1799 Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland.

Before news of his defeat reached Saint Petersburg, he had been promoted to infantry general, but he was later excluded from service by Tsar Paul.

Upon his return from captivity, Herman presented an explanation of his actions and on November 6, 1800, he was again allowed into the Russian army, but received no further appointments.