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Fransua CurialCount (22.3.1814), Baron (6.6.1808), Divisional General (5.6.1809).
Date of Birth: 21.04.1774
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Campaigns in Europe and Italy
- Egyptian Campaign
- Rise in the Imperial Guard
- Peninsular War and Command of the Imperial Guard
- Russian Campaign and Later Years
- Bourbon Restoration and Later Military Service
Early Life and Military Career
Philibert Jean Baptiste François Curial was born on April 21, 1774, in Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, France. In 1792, he joined the Allobroges Legion as a volunteer during the French Revolutionary Wars. He quickly rose through the ranks and was elected captain of the 1st Battalion of Mont-Blanc Volunteers on March 13, 1793.
Campaigns in Europe and Italy
Curial fought in the Central and Pyrenees armies from 1793 to 1795. On March 21, 1795, he was appointed commander of the 69th Line Brigade. He then fought in Italy (1796-1798) and Switzerland (1798), distinguishing himself as an exceptional field commander.
Egyptian Campaign
In 1798, Curial served as adjutant to General Almeras during the Egyptian Campaign. He impressed General Napoleon Bonaparte and was appointed commander of a battalion on May 16, 1799.
Rise in the Imperial Guard
After the Egyptian Campaign, Curial returned to France and commanded a brigade from September 23, 1800. On December 4, 1803, he became colonel of the 88th Line Regiment and fought in the division of General Suchet. He joined the Grande Armée in 1805 and fought at the Battle of Austerlitz.
On May 1, 1806, Curial was promoted to major in the foot chasseurs of the Imperial Guard. He distinguished himself in the 1806-1807 campaign, particularly at the battles of Jena and Preussisch Eylau. On February 16, 1807, he was promoted to colonel in the guard and appointed colonel of the 2nd Regiment of Guard Foot Chasseurs.
Peninsular War and Command of the Imperial Guard
In 1808, Curial participated in the Peninsular War before returning to France on January 15, 1809. On April 30, 1809, he replaced General Mouton as commander of the 1st Division of the Young Guard. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Essling, earning a promotion to senior colonel of the foot chasseurs of the guard and commander of the 1st Division of the Imperial Guard.
Russian Campaign and Later Years
On March 10, 1812, Curial led the 3rd Guard Division (Old Guard) during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. After the Grande Armée's retreat, he arrived back in France on January 11, 1813, and was tasked with forming new troops.
Throughout the remaining years of the Napoleonic Wars, Curial held various commands in the Old and Young Guards, distinguishing himself in battles such as Wa-hau, Hanau, and Metz. He eventually commanded the 2nd Division of the Young Guard under Marshal Michel Ney.
Bourbon Restoration and Later Military Service
After Napoleon's abdication, Curial sided with the Bourbons and received the post of colonel of the former foot chasseurs of the guard in Nancy. During Napoleon's "Hundred Days," he was appointed governor of the palace of Rambouillet and later commander of the 19th Military District. He was also tasked with commanding a division in the Alpine Army.
After the Second Restoration, Curial was initially dismissed but was later recalled due to his inactivity during the Hundred Days. He served as general inspector of infantry and noble of the Royal Chamber. He participated in the Spanish Expedition of 1823 and was decorated with the Russian Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky. He died in Paris on May 30, 1829, holding the prestigious title of 1st chamberlain of the King's wardrobe.
