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Francois-Etienne de DamasFrench general, participant in the Napoleonic Wars
Date of Birth: 22.06.1764
Country:  France |
Content:
- Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke, Duc de Feltre (1764-1828)
- Napoleonic Wars
- Return to Favor and Later Career
- Legacy
Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke, Duc de Feltre (1764-1828)
Early Life and Military ServiceHenri Jacques Guillaume Clarke was born in Paris on June 22, 1764. Initially destined for a career in architecture, the outbreak of the French Revolution propelled him into a military career. In 1792, he became an adjutant to General Menier, later serving as chief of staff to General Kléber.
Napoleonic Wars
In 1793, Clarke attained the rank of brigadier general. He distinguished himself during the siege of Mainz and forced a crossing of the Rhine at Neuwied in 1796, where he was wounded in the leg. In 1798, he accompanied Kléber to Egypt as his chief of staff. There, he captured Rosetta and fought at the Pyramids, Shebreiss, and Gemel.
Kléber, who held Clarke in high esteem, promoted him to division general after Bonaparte's departure. However, after Kléber's untimely death, the incompetent General Menou blamed Clarke for the disastrous Battle of Abukir in 1801. This led to Clarke's disgrace and imprisonment for five years.
Return to Favor and Later Career
In 1807, Murat, then Governor of Paris, released Clarke and gave him a command in his Duchy of Berg. In 1812, Clarke organized and led the forces of this principality during the Russian campaign, where he distinguished himself at the crossing of the Berezina.
After the Russian campaign, Clarke returned to Berg and remained there until 1813. In 1814, Louis XVIII appointed him commander of the Paris Gendarmerie. During the Hundred Days, Clarke pledged allegiance to Napoleon, but upon the Bourbon restoration he became inspector-general of the Gendarmerie Corps. He died in Paris on December 23, 1828.
Legacy
Henri Jacques Guillaume Clarke is remembered as a distinguished military commander who served under both the French Republic and the Napoleonic Empire. His name is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, honoring his contributions to French military history.
