Auguste-Alexandre Ducrot French military leader, general Date of Birth: 24.02.1817 Country: France

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Crimean and Italian Campaigns
3. Franco-Prussian War
4. Post-War Career and Death

Early Life and Military Career

Auguste Alexandre Ducrot was born on February 24, 1817, in Nevers, France, to a major in the 12th Light Infantry Regiment. On November 14, 1835, he enrolled in the Saint-Cyr Military School and graduated as a second lieutenant on October 1, 1837, joining the 1st Infantry Regiment.

In December 1837, Ducrot was deployed to French troops in Algeria, where he fought against Arab forces until 1851. During this period, he earned promotions to lieutenant (1840), captain (1840), and lieutenant colonel (1851). On September 22, 1847, he became battalion commander in the 32nd Infantry Regiment.

Crimean and Italian Campaigns

Upon returning to France, Ducrot was appointed colonel of the 3rd Infantry Regiment on December 26, 1853. In 1854, he joined the assault force of the Anglo-French squadron in the Baltic Sea, participating in the capture of the Åland Islands and the bombardment of Bomarsund.

Franco-Prussian War

At the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Ducrot commanded the 1st Division of the 1st Army Corps. He fought at Wörth and, after Marshal Mac-Mahon was wounded at the Battle of Sedan, briefly commanded the Army of Châlons before handing over to General Wimpffen. Ducrot was awarded the Grand Officer's Cross of the Legion of Honor on August 20.

After his release from captivity following the French surrender at Sedan, Ducrot commanded the 13th and 14th Corps, which formed the 2nd Army under his leadership. He faced limited success in defending Paris against Prussian forces and suppressing the Paris Commune uprising.

Post-War Career and Death

After the war, Ducrot was elected to the National Assembly from the department of Nièvre. In 1871, he participated in peace negotiations with Germany. He briefly commanded the Cherbourg Camp and the 4th Army Corps in Versailles but was relieved from these posts within a short period.

In 1873, Ducrot became a member of the Defense Committee. He published a book, "La défense de Paris (1870–1871)", in 1875. Ducrot retired from active service on February 24, 1882, and passed away in Versailles on August 16 of the same year.