Category Archive 'Napoleonic Wars'

17 Sep 2022

Marshall Ouidinot Was a Hardy Chap

, , , , ,

In 1847, Nicholas Charles Oudinot, Marshal of France, 1st Duke of Reggio, also Count Oudinot, died at the age of 80 at Paris. Present in many great battles of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire (he won especial distinction at Zurich and Genoa in 1799 and 1800 respectively, and later at Friedland (1807)). The battle of Wagram (1809) got him his Maréchal’s baton, and his Dukedom. His last active service was in the French intervention in Spain in 1823.

The Duke is known to have been wounded 34 times in battle, being cut by swords and sabres, hit by artillery shell fragments, and at least twelve bullets over the course of his military career.

His wounds never slowed him down, on the battlefield or in other respects (married twice, father of 11 children).

—————–

He reminded me of someone else.

25 Aug 2015

A Great Cover for a War Game

, , ,

WoodvillePoniatowskisLastCh
Richard Canton Woodville Jr., Poniatowski’s Last Charge at Leipzig, 1912, Collection Henry Graves & Co.

As a reward for his past military services, on October 16, during the Battle of Leipzig, Jozef Poniatowski was made a Marshal of France and entrusted with the duty of covering the French Army’s retreat. He defended Leipzig, losing half his corps in the attempt, finally falling back slowly upon a bridge over the Weisse Elster River, near Leipzig. In the general confusion, the French blew up the bridge before he could reach it. Poniatowski tried to escape by swimming but, covered with wounds, drowned in the river, 18 October 1813.


Your are browsing
the Archives of Never Yet Melted in the 'Napoleonic Wars' Category.











Feeds
Entries (RSS)
Comments (RSS)
Feed Shark