Francois Sebastien Charles Joseph Clerfayt Austrian field marshal, of Walloon origin. Date of Birth: 14.10.1733 Country: Austria

1. Early Career and Military Prowess
2. Opposition to Reforms and Return to Service
3. Successes in the Austro-Turkish War
4. Command in the War of the First Coalition
5. Retreat and Winter Quarters
6. Prince Coburg's Army

Early Career and Military Prowess

Franz Sebastian Karl von Clerfayt, an Austrian field marshal of Walloon origin, embarked on his military journey in 1753 as a junior lieutenant in the Austrian infantry regiment No. 30. He fought valiantly in the Seven Years' War, displaying exceptional courage in battles such as Prague, Leuthen, Hochkirch, and Liegnitz. His bravery earned him rapid promotions, and by 1760, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Opposition to Reforms and Return to Service

As an opponent of the reforms initiated by Emperor Joseph II, Clerfayt retired from the army. However, he was recalled due to the outbreak of the War of Bavarian Succession (1778-1779), during which he attained the rank of major general.

Successes in the Austro-Turkish War

Appointed a field marshal lieutenant, Clerfayt commanded Austrian forces in the Austro-Turkish War of 1788. He achieved significant victories at Mehadia and Calafat, where he defeated Turkish troops under the command of Wallachian prince Alexandru Moruzi. Receiving the rank of field marshal in November of the same year, he continued to triumph in the 1789 campaign, earning the Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa.

Command in the War of the First Coalition

Clerfayt played a pivotal role in the War of the First Coalition against revolutionary France. As one of Austria's most distinguished generals, he was entrusted with the command of Austrian troops within the Prussian army led by the Duke of Brunswick. His corps captured Longwy and Verdun and defeated French forces at Croix-sous-Bois.

Retreat and Winter Quarters

Following the Battle of Valmy, Clerfayt's corps covered the retreat of the allied army towards Koblenz. He joined forces with the Duke of Saxe-Teschen and protected the provinces. After the Battle of Jemappes, Clerfayt assumed command of the weakened Austrian troops. They established winter quarters in Cologne in December 1792.

Prince Coburg's Army

In 1793, Prince Coburg assumed command of Austrian forces in the Netherlands. With 40 battalions and 50 squadrons, Clerfayt led a line of the main corps of the army in the ongoing conflict.