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Antoine Louis Decrest de Saint-GermainFrench general, participant in the Napoleonic Wars.
Date of Birth: 08.12.1761
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Promotions and Disciplinary Actions:
- The French Revolution
- Arrest and Acquittal:
- Continued Battles and Wounds:
- Napoleonic Wars
- Battle of Aspern-Essling and Further Promotions:
- The Russian Campaign
- Restoration of the French Army:
- The 1814 Campaign in France:
- Post-Napoleonic Career
- General Inspector and Retirement:
- Legacy and Honors
- Commemoration on the Arc de Triomphe:
Early Life and Military Career
Birth and Joining the Military:Jean-François-Xavier Dorsenne was born in Paris on December 8, 1761. On February 15, 1778, he joined the Lunéville Gendarmerie, beginning his military service.
Promotions and Disciplinary Actions:
Dorsenne was promoted to lieutenant on October 20, 1781. However, due to repeated disciplinary infringements, he was dismissed from the military on August 1, 1784.
The French Revolution
Joining the National Guard and Early Battles:In the wake of the French Revolution, Dorsenne joined the Paris National Guard on March 30, 1790. He was promoted to captain of cavalry on July 22. During the Revolution, he fought in the Northern Army and in the Ardennes, earning promotion to lieutenant colonel on December 16, 1792.
Arrest and Acquittal:
Dorsenne was arrested in late 1793 on suspicion of royalist sympathies. However, the charges were dropped the following year, and he was given command of the 23rd Cavalry Regiment.
Continued Battles and Wounds:
Dorsenne fought in the Sambre and Meuse campaigns, sustaining two wounds. He distinguished himself during the 1799-1800 campaigns, losing four horses in the Battle of Hohenlinden.
Napoleonic Wars
Promotions and Wars with Austria and Prussia:Dorsenne was promoted to brigadier general in 1805, fighting in the war against Austria. He also participated in the Prussian and Russian campaigns in 1806-1807.
Battle of Aspern-Essling and Further Promotions:
In 1809, Dorsenne fought brilliantly at the Battle of Aspern-Essling, commanding a brigade in the 1st Heavy Cavalry Division. He was subsequently promoted to division general and given command of the 2nd Cuirassier Division.
The Russian Campaign
Command of the 1st Cuirassier Division:During the 1812 Russian campaign, Dorsenne commanded the 1st Cuirassier Division, distinguishing himself at Ostrono and the Battle of Borodino. He was heavily wounded during the attack on the Semyonovskaya Flashes and evacuated to Prussia.
Restoration of the French Army:
After recovering, Dorsenne played a significant role in rebuilding the French army. He led the 2nd Cavalry Corps and received the title of Count from Napoleon for his actions at the Battle of Hanau.
The 1814 Campaign in France:
Dorsenne participated in the 1814 campaign in France, notably distinguishing himself at the Battle of Vauchamps, where he repelled a Prussian corps under Blücher.
Post-Napoleonic Career
Inspector General of Cavalry:After Napoleon's abdication, Dorsenne remained in military service as inspector general of cavalry. He remained neutral during Napoleon's escape from Elba and played no role in the Hundred Days campaign.
General Inspector and Retirement:
After the second Bourbon restoration, Dorsenne became general inspector of cavalry in the 15th and 16th military districts. He was assigned to the General Staff from 1819 and retired on August 30, 1826.
Legacy and Honors
Return to Service and Death:Following the July Revolution of 1830, Dorsenne briefly returned to service, but his health prevented him from active duty. He died on October 4, 1835, in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
