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Francois Chasseloup-LaubatFrench military engineer, general, count.
Date of Birth: 18.08.1754
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Service in the Revolutionary Army
- Italian Campaign and Rise to Prominence
- Director of Fortifications and Subsequent Commands
- Continued Military Service and Honors
- Later Years and Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Jean Baptiste Josué Flachat was born on March 15, 1764, in Dijon, France. His military career began on August 7, 1770, at the age of 16, when he became an aspirant in the Royal Artillery Corps. He was promoted to sub-lieutenant at the Royal Engineering School in Mézières on June 1, 1778, and to captain on April 1, 1791.
Service in the Revolutionary Army
After the French Revolution, Flachat refused to emigrate and continued serving in the revolutionary army. In 1792 and 1793, he fought in the Army of the Center. He was responsible for the defense of Montmédy against Prussian forces in 1792. On June 15, 1793, he became commander of an engineering battalion.
Italian Campaign and Rise to Prominence
Flachat joined the Italian Army in March 1796 and was appointed commander of engineers on June 11, 1796. He participated in several key battles, including Milan, Mantua, Lonato, Arcole, and Rivoli. On February 21, 1797, he was promoted to brigadier general. Flachat's exceptional skills caught the attention of Napoleon Bonaparte, who became his close confidant.
Director of Fortifications and Subsequent Commands
On November 12, 1797, Flachat was sent to Paris by Bonaparte to deliver a dispatch. In 1798, he became Director of Fortifications and returned to the Italian Army on October 12, 1798. He was appointed to the Committee of Fortifications on September 18, 1799, and resumed his former post for the third time a month later. Flachat's notable work included constructing fortifications in Alessandria.
After Bonaparte's rise to power, Flachat's career flourished. He was appointed Inspector General of Fortifications on January 26, 1800. He became commander of engineers of the Reserve Army on June 7, 1800, and the Italian Army on June 24, 1800. Flachat participated in almost all of Napoleon's major campaigns.
Continued Military Service and Honors
On August 30, 1805, Flachat became commander of engineers in Marshal Masséna's Italian Army. He was recalled to the Grand Army on September 22, 1806, and Napoleon entrusted him with command of all engineering units. He distinguished himself in the battles of Gołymin and Preußisch-Eylau. Flachat led siege works at Kolberg, Danzig, and Stralsund. On April 1, 1809, he once again became commander of engineers in the Italian Army.
Later Years and Legacy
In August 1811, Flachat was summoned to Paris and sent to Holland in September to inspect and prepare fortifications against a potential British invasion. From January 27, 1812, he was commander of engineers for the Grand Army. During the Russian campaign, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Smolensk. Flachat was appointed senator on April 5, 1813, and Inspector of Fortifications in the Kingdom of Italy nine days later.
In 1814, he voted with other senators for Napoleon's abdication. After the Bourbon Restoration, he received the title of Peer of France (June 4, 1814) and was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honour. During Napoleon's "Hundred Days," Flachat remained loyal to King Louis and refused to join the emperor. He was elevated to the dignity of Marquis on August 31, 1817, after the second Restoration.
Flachat held prestigious positions in the French army and served as president of the École Polytechnique from 1820. He died on December 23, 1833, and his name was inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe.
