Claes Uggla

Claes Johansson Uggla (1614 – 1 June 1676) was a Swedish military officer of the 17th century, who served in both the army and the navy, reaching the rank of admiral before he was killed in action during the naval Battle of Öland. Uggla was born in the village of Afverstad in Ölserud parish, Värmland, the son of Colonel Johan Uggla and Margareta Gyllenmärs. As a young man he was a page at the royal court. During the Torstenson War of 1643-1645 he served as a volunteer in the navy, seeing action in the fleet under the command of Clas Fleming. From 1646 Uggla served in the Swedish army. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Prague in 1648, and was promoted to captain lieutenant. In 1650, he was promoted to captain in the Life Guards, accompanying Charles X during the Second Northern War. When the Dano-Swedish War broke out in 1657 Uggla returned to naval service. He was promoted to major and in November 1658 participated in the Battle of the Sound against the Dutch fleet. In December, he successfully evacuated the Swedes from Sønderborg Castle during its siege.