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Louis Baraguey D'HilliersDivision General
Date of Birth: 13.08.1764
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Service in the French Revolutionary Wars
- Post-Thermidorian Career
- Campaigns in Italy and Egypt
Early Life and Military Career
Louis Baraguey d'Hilliers was born into a military family, his father being a gendarme in the royal guard. On April 1, 1783, he joined the Alsace (later 53rd) infantry regiment as a cadet.
In 1787, he was promoted to second lieutenant and in 1791, to lieutenant. He resigned in May 1791 but returned to service as a captain in January 1792, assigned to the 11th Light Battalion.
Service in the French Revolutionary Wars
From February 1792, Baraguey d'Hilliers served as an adjutant to General Krion and later to General La Bourdonnaye. He fought in the battles of Speyer, Worms, Mainz, and Frankfurt am Main.
In 1793, he rose to the rank of brigadier general and became chief of staff to General Custine. However, he was arrested along with Custine in July 1793 on charges of surrendering Mainz and Frankfurt. He was imprisoned until after the fall of the Jacobin dictatorship in July 1794.
Post-Thermidorian Career
After his release, Baraguey d'Hilliers served as a member of the Convention's Military Committee. He held various staff positions and participated in the suppression of the royalist uprising in the Saint-Antoine district.
In 1796, he joined Bonaparte's Army of Italy. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Rivoli and commanded a division under General Joubert during the capture of Fort d'Arco.
Campaigns in Italy and Egypt
After the capture of Venice, Baraguey d'Hilliers served as governor of the city for a brief period until it was retaken by the Austrians. He subsequently commanded the 6th and 7th infantry divisions of the Army of Italy.
In 1798, he accompanied Napoleon on the Egyptian campaign. During the invasion of Malta, he captured several fortifications, sustaining minimal casualties.
