LAUDON, GIDEON ERNEST, BARON VON (Scot. London), a famous Austrian general of Scottish descent, born at Totzen, in Livonia, in 1716. At a very early age he entered the Russian service, and fought in several battles against the Turks; but obtaining no preferment, he enlisted into the Austrian army, where he was advanced in quick succession to the rank of captain, major, and lieutenant-colonel. In the Seven Years' War, which was begun in 1756 against Frederick the Great, he so signalized himself as to receive within a year the rank of major-general, and within three years he became commander-in-chief. Of these honours he proved himself highly worthy by his victories at Hochkirch in 1758, at Kunnersdorf in 1759, and at Landshut and Glatz in 1760. Peace was proclaimed in 1763; and to the title of Baron, which Laudon then received, were added, in 1766, the dignity of aulic councilor, and in 1778 the high office of field-marshals of the empire. In the war with the Turks he was again victorious at Dubicza, Novi, and Grandisca. For the capture of Belgrade, in 1789, he was made Knight of the Order of Maria Theresia. Laudon died of a fever in 1790.