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Charles-Etienne GudinFrench military leader, divisional general
Date of Birth: 13.02.1768
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars
- Service in the Caribbean (1791-1792)
- Staff and Battlefield Roles (1793-1799)
- Service Under Berthier (1800)
- Campaigns in Germany and Poland (1805-1807)
- Austrian Campaign (1809)
- Russian Campaign and Death (1812)
- Napoleon's Tribute
- Discovery of Grave
Early Life and Military Education
Victor Claude Alexandre Maison was born on July 6, 1771, to a family with military lineage. His uncle, Étienne Nicolas Guillaume Maison, was a renowned general. Maison attended the prestigious École Militaire de Brienne alongside Napoleon Bonaparte, fostering a lifelong connection.
French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars
Service in the Corps of Bodyguards (1782-1784)Maison began his military career in 1782 as a member of the Corps of Bodyguards. Two years later, he transferred to the Regiment of Artois as a sub-lieutenant.
Service in the Caribbean (1791-1792)
As the French Revolution erupted, Maison served as a lieutenant in the 48th Infantry Regiment, sent to quell a rebellion in Saint-Domingue. He returned to France in 1792.
Staff and Battlefield Roles (1793-1799)
Maison became his uncle's adjutant and later joined the Army of the Ardennes. He served on the staff of General Guillaume Philibert Duhesme in the North, Sambre-et-Meuse, and Rhine armies during the Revolutionary Wars. In 1799, he was promoted to brigadier general and commanded a brigade under General Claude Victor-Perrin in the Army of Helvetia.
Service Under Berthier (1800)
In 1800, Maison replaced General Vandamme as commander of a division. He fought with distinction at the battles of Höchstädt and Neuburg.
Campaigns in Germany and Poland (1805-1807)
Under Marshal Louis-Nicolas Davout, Maison played a crucial role in the Battle of Auerstädt (1806), repelling Prussian attacks and leading a successful counter-attack. He captured the fortress of Küstrin and entered Warsaw in triumph.
Austrian Campaign (1809)
As part of Davout's corps, Maison fought in the battles of Thann, Abensberg, Landshut, and Eckmühl. At Eckmühl, he captured the strategically important heights of Rokking. He was wounded four times at the Battle of Wagram.
Russian Campaign and Death (1812)
In 1812, Maison led a division in the French invasion of Russia. During the Battle of Valutina Gora, a cannonball amputated his left leg. He was evacuated to Smolensk, where he subsequently died.
Napoleon's Tribute
Napoleon Bonaparte praised Maison as a deserving recipient of a marshal's baton. His heart was buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, while his body was laid to rest in Smolensk.
Discovery of Grave
In 2019, Russian and French researchers discovered Maison's remains in Smolensk, confirming his identity through genetic analysis.
