Richard Carl Gustav Ludwig Wilhelm Julius von Stutterheim was born into nobility in 1815 in the German state of Prussia, and attended a military school in Cologne.
After completing his education, he was posted to a Hussar Regiment stationed at Düsseldorf, with the rank of lieutenant.
After killing a fellow officer in a duel, Von Stutterheim fled to England and served with the British Legion in the Carlist Wars between 1835 and 1838. These were a series of civil wars fought by the followers of Don Carlos of Spain (Carlists) against the Christinos, supporters of Maria Christina, the Queen Mother of Isabel II. Von Stutterheim distinguished himself in battle, winning several medals, and was promoted to captain.
After three
