Maximilian Ulysses, Reichsgraf Browne

Maximilian Ulysses, Reichsgraf Browne (born October 23, 1705, Basel—died June 26, 1757, Prague) was a field marshal, one of Austria’s ablest commanders during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) and the Seven Years’ War (1756–63), who nevertheless suffered defeat by Frederick II the Great of Prussia.

A Habsburg subject of Irish ancestry, Browne commanded a small garrison in Silesia when, in 1740, Frederick II invaded and conquered the province. The Austrians retreated into Bohemia after a skillful delaying action. Later, Browne distinguished himself at Piacenza, in Italy (1746). In 1751 Empress Maria Theresa named him commander in chief in Bohemia, where, at the beginning of the Seven Years’ War, he fought Frederick at the indecisive Battle of Lobositz (Oct. 1, 1756). Wounded during the Battle of Prague (May 6, 1757), he died shortly thereafter.