Army of the Holy Roman Empire
Gottfried was born in Flanders. In 1615 he joined the Imperial Army of the Holy Roman Empire in Italy as a volunteer. In 1618 he joined the Anholt Regiment of the Bavarian Army and remained with the regiment rising to the rank of colonel. While serving in the regiment he participated in the Count of Tilly's campaigns in Bohemia and the Rhine, then took part in the Siege of Magdeburg and at the Battle of Leipzig.