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Jean-Baptiste Drouet D\'ErlonMarshal of France, participant in the Napoleonic Wars
Date of Birth: 29.07.1765
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Napoleonic Wars
- The Peninsular War
- Restoration and the Hundred Days
- Waterloo and Later Life
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Military Career
Jean-Baptiste Drouet d'Erlon was born on July 29, 1765 in Reims, France, into a family of artisans. With the outbreak of the French Revolution, he joined a volunteer battalion and rose to prominence under General Lefebvre, becoming his adjutant in the campaigns of 1793-1796.
Napoleonic Wars
In 1799, Drouet was promoted to brigadier general and commanded troops in the invasion of Bavaria in 1805. He played a significant role in the Battle of Jena in 1806 and fought at Friedland in 1807, earning him the Legion of Honour and the title of Count d'Erlon. In the Austrian campaign of 1809, he fought in Tyrol, and later in Spain in 1810, where he distinguished himself against the British forces led by Lord Hill.
The Peninsular War
In 1813, Drouet led the Central Army in Spain, assuming the role of Chief of Staff under Marshal Soult after the defeat at Vitoria. He fought in several battles during the French retreat behind the Pyrenees, including Adour, Orthez, and Toulouse.
Restoration and the Hundred Days
After the Bourbon Restoration, Drouet was appointed commander of the 15th Division and awarded the Order of Saint Louis. In 1815, he participated in the conspiracy to restore Napoleon to the throne and commanded the Northern Army. However, the plot was discovered, and Drouet was arrested. He escaped and rallied pro-Napoleonic troops to capture Lille, which he held until Napoleon's return.
Waterloo and Later Life
During the Hundred Days, Drouet led the 1st Corps at Quatre-Bras, Ligny, and Waterloo. He commanded the right wing of the French army at Paris, retreated behind the Loire, and ultimately abandoned his troops after Napoleon's final defeat. He retired to Munich and was allowed to return to France in 1825.
In 1830, Drouet rejoined the army and commanded the 12th Infantry Division. In 1834, he was appointed Governor-General of Algeria, but only served until 1835 when he was reassigned to Nantes. On April 9, 1843, he was promoted to Marshal of France.
Death and Legacy
Jean-Baptiste Drouet d'Erlon died on January 25, 1844 in Paris and was buried in his hometown of Reims. His name is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, honoring his military achievements.
