Josef Souham Count, divisional general. Date of Birth: 30.04.1760 Country: France

1. Early Life and Career
2. French Revolutionary Wars
3. Napoleonic Wars
4. Peninsular War
5. German Campaign
6. Hundred Days and Second Restoration
7. Later Life and Death

Life and Military Career of General Charles-Étienne Gudin de La Sablonnière

Early Life and Career

Charles-Étienne Gudin de La Sablonnière was born on May 19, 1781. On March 17, 1782, he joined the Royal Cuirassier Regiment, but he resigned in January 1786.

French Revolutionary Wars

With the outbreak of the French Revolution, Gudin rapidly rose through the ranks of the Republican Army. On August 15, 1792, he was elected lieutenant colonel of the 2nd Battalion of Volunteers of Corrèze. By July 30, 1793, he had advanced to brigadier general.

Gudin served under General Jourdan in the Netherlands and the Rhine, distinguishing himself in several battles. From March 30 to April 3, 1796, he briefly took command of the Army of the North.

Napoleonic Wars

In 1799, Gudin played a key role in the campaign in Switzerland, distinguishing himself at the Battle of Stockach. He commanded divisions in the Army of the Rhine under Moreau and contributed to the French victory at the Battle of Hohenlinden in 1800.

Gudin's close association with Moreau made him suspect to Napoleon. In September 1801, he lost his command and spent time out of favor with the Emperor. In 1807, he was reinstated and sent to Italy.

In 1808, Gudin joined the Army of Spain and fought with distinction at the battles of Cordeo, Molino del Rey, and Balie. In October 1809, he achieved a decisive victory at Santa Coloma.

Peninsular War

Gudin continued to serve in Spain, where he defended Burgos and forced Wellington to retreat across the Douro. Despite his successes, he was recalled to France in November 1812.

German Campaign

In 1813, Gudin was appointed commander of the 8th Division of Ney's Corps. He played a leading role in the Battle of Lützen, the Battle of Bautzen, and the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig, where he was wounded.

Hundred Days and Second Restoration

After Napoleon's abdication, Gudin commanded reserve divisions in Paris. During the Hundred Days, he lost his post and was dismissed from the army. With the Second Restoration, he briefly held commands but spent most of his time as a general inspector of infantry.

Later Life and Death

After the July Revolution of 1830, Gudin lost all his posts and was placed on reserve. In 1832, he was retired. General Charles-Étienne Gudin de La Sablonnière died on June 11, 1858, at the age of 77.