Joseph Nikolaus de Vins
Austrian general
Joseph Nikolaus Freiherr de Vins or Joseph de Wins (1732 – 26 September 1798), joined the army of Habsburg Austria and fought in the Seven Years' War where he was decorated for bravery. By 1773 he earned promotion to general officer. From 1783 he held important posts on the Military Frontier and led an independent corps in Croatia during the Austro-Turkish War. In the French Revolutionary Wars he commanded the joint forces of Austria and the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont from 1792 until 1795. Though the French were held at bay during his tenure, his slowness and poor health prevented Piedmont's lost territories from being recovered. Throughout the period much tension existed between the two allies. Ironically, the day after De Vins resigned, the French attacked and badly defeated his replacement. He was Proprietor (Inhaber) of an Austrian infantry regiment from 1784 until his death.
Early career
Born at Mantua in Italy in 1732, De Vins was the son of Hektor Franz de Vins, an Austrian general killed in the Battle of Piacenza in 1746. He went into the army of the Habsburg monarchy and fought in the Seven Years' War.
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