Background
Buddenbrock was born on 15 March 1672 to Elisabeth Sophia von Rappe and Johann von Buddenbrock in Tilsemischken near Ragnit (Ragneta) in the Duchy of Prussia.
Buddenbrock was born on 15 March 1672 to Elisabeth Sophia von Rappe and Johann von Buddenbrock in Tilsemischken near Ragnit (Ragneta) in the Duchy of Prussia.
His family, Westphalian in origin, had settled in the Livonian Confederation in 1318 and in Ducal Prussia in 1622. After studying at the Albertina University of Königsberg (Królewiec) for three years, Buddenbrock enlisted in the Prussian Army and campaigned in the Netherlands in 1690. As an 18-year-old cornet in an Anhalt cuirassier regiment, Buddenbrock fought in the Battle of Fleurus.
His regiment participated in the major battles of the War of the Spanish Succession, and Buddenbrock was regimental commander at Malplaquet in 1709.
He was promoted to Oberst of the 1st Prussian Cuirassier Regiment on 18 July 1724. Frederick also granted Buddenbrock a district captaincy and a pay increment.
On 19 March 1745, Buddenbrock was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall. Buddenbrock died at the age of 85 while Governor of Breslau (Wrocław).
A member of the so-called "Tobacco Ministry" (Tabakskollegium), Buddenbrock was one of Frederick William"s companions when the king was on his deathbed.