Alexander Moran Count (10/12/1808), division general (12/24/1805). Date of Birth: 04.06.1771 Country: France

Biography of Alexander Moran

Alexander Moran, born on October 12, 1808, was a divisional general and a count. He began his military career on August 9, 1792, when he was elected as the captain of the 7th battalion of volunteers in the Department of Du. From 1792 to 1793, he fought in the Rhine Army and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel on September 5, 1792. He continued his service in the North Army from 1793 to 1794, the Sambre-Meuse Army from 1794 to 1796, and the Italian Army from January 1797.

Moran distinguished himself in the Battle of Rivoli and served in the Eastern Army in Egypt from 1798 to 1801. During his time in Egypt, he served in General Desaix's division and earned recognition for his actions in the Battle of the Pyramids and other engagements. He later became the adjutant of a brigade and the governor of the Giray Province. On September 6, 1800, he was promoted to brigadier general and commanded a brigade in General Verdier's division from May 1801.

In March 1802, Moran became the commander in the Morbihan department, and then he was transferred to the military camp in Saint-Omer on August 30, 1803. From August 30, 1805, he served as the commander of the 1st brigade in the 1st division under General Saint-Hilaire in the 4th corps of the Grand Army. He gained fame for his actions in the Battle of Austerlitz. On February 14, 1806, he was appointed as the commander of the 1st division in Marshal Davout's 3rd corps, becoming one of his closest assistants. He also served as the Chief of the General Staff under Davout from March 12, 1806.

Moran fought in Prussia and Poland during the 1806-1807 campaign and distinguished himself in battles such as Auerstedt, Czarnowo, Golymin, and Eylau. On October 12, 1808, he became the commander of the 1st division in Davout's Rhine Army. In 1809, he participated in the battles in Bavaria and Austria, earning recognition in engagements such as Arnhofen and Abensberg, Landshut, Eckmühl, Regensburg, and Wagram. From July 13, 1810, he served in the troops occupying the Hanseatic cities.

On January 7, 1812, Moran once again took command of the 1st division under Davout in the Elbe Observation Corps, which later became the 1st corps of the Grand Army. His division, mostly composed of French soldiers, was considered the best in Davout's corps, and Davout's corps, except for the Guard, was regarded as the best in the Grand Army. Moran led his division into the Russian Empire and participated in the Battle of Smolensk. In the Battle of Borodino, he fiercely attacked the Kurgan Heights. He left Russia with the remnants of the Grand Army.

From March 17, 1813, Moran served as the commander of the 12th division, which was part of General Bertrand's 1st and later 4th corps. He participated in battles such as Lützen, Bautzen, Dennewitz, Wartenburg, Hanau, and Nogent. On November 16, 1813, he replaced General Bertrand as the commander of the 4th corps. From December 1813 to April 1814, he fought in Northern France. However, he was dismissed following the Bourbon restoration on October 15, 1814.

When news of Napoleon's return to France reached Moran, he arrived on March 23, 1815, and was immediately appointed as the commander of the 12th, 13th, 21st, and 22nd military districts. On April 13, 1815, he received the honorary position of colonel of the Guard's riflemen. He became a Peer of France on June 2, 1815. During the Battle of Waterloo, he commanded the Imperial Guard's riflemen. Shortly after the battle, he was appointed as the commander of the Guard Infantry of the Army of the Loire. However, following the Second Restoration on August 1, 1815, he was included in the proscription lists and was forced to flee the country.

Moran returned to France on June 14, 1819, and was acquitted by a military court in Strasbourg. He was even reinstated in the Royal Guard on September 1, 1819. However, he was dismissed from service on January 12, 1820. After the July Revolution of 1830, he was reenlisted and became the commander of the 6th military district in Besançon on August 4, 1830. On October 11, 1832, he was granted the title of Peer of France for the second time.