Lui Monbren Count (15.8.1809), Baron (23.9.1808), Divisional General (9.3.1809). Date of Birth: 01.03.1770 Country: France

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Rise Through the Ranks
3. Service in the Cavalry
4. Napoleonic Wars
5. Heroism at Somosierra
6. Subsequent Service and Death
7. Legacy and Family

Early Life and Military Career

Louis Pierre Montbrun,born on March 1, 1770, hailed from Florac, France. On May 5, 1789, at the tender age of 19, he began his military service as a soldier in the Alsace Jäger Regiment. In 1791, the regiment became the 1st Horse Jaeger Regiment.

Rise Through the Ranks

Montbrun's military career progressed rapidly. On September 20, 1791, he was promoted to Brigadier, a junior non-commissioned officer rank. He distinguished himself in the Northern and Moselle armies from 1792 to 1794 and the Sambre-Meuse army from 1794 to 1797. On September 12, 1794, he became a Sub-Lieutenant.

In 1796, Montbrun fought under the command of General Richpance and earned fame for his courageous actions at the Battle of Altenkirchen on July 27, 1796. He was promoted to Lieutenant on the battlefield itself. On August 16, 1796, he was transferred to the Directory's Guard.

Service in the Cavalry

Montbrun excelled as a cavalry commander, serving in the Mayence and Rhine armies from 1798 to 1801. On March 5, 1800, he became Squadron Commander and distinguished himself in the battles of Erbach and the defense of Kirchberg. He temporarily commanded the 1st Horse Jaeger Brigade from June 15, 1800, and later the 8th Dragoon and 1st Horse Jaeger brigades.

Napoleonic Wars

In 1803, Montbrun joined the Bruges garrison before being transferred to the 3rd Corps' cavalry brigade under Marshal Davout in 1805. He played a significant role in the Battle of Austerlitz and was promoted to Brigadier General on December 24, 1805.

In 1806, Montbrun participated in the Neapolitan campaign and joined General Reynier's division on February 1, 1806. He fought in Spain from the end of February 1806 and became commander of the 5th Corps' light cavalry upon the formation of the Grand Army on September 1, 1806.

Heroism at Somosierra

On September 23, 1808, Montbrun was transferred to Spain to command the 1st Corps' light cavalry under Marshal Victor. He achieved legendary status in the Battle of Somosierra on November 30, 1808, when he led a daring cavalry charge and captured a 15-gun battery.

Subsequent Service and Death

After a brief reserve period, Montbrun was appointed commander of the 2nd Division of Light Cavalry in Marshal Bessières' corps on March 23, 1809. On April 14, he was transferred to Marshal Davout's command. He displayed his brilliance in the battles of Tann, Schirling, Eckmühl, Nittnau, and Raab.

In 1810, Montbrun became Chief of Cavalry of Marshal Masséna's Portuguese Army. During the Battle of Bussaco, he executed a daring flanking maneuver through the mountain passes, forcing Wellington to retreat from the battlefield. He continued to fight in various battles, including Almeida, Ciudad Rodrigo, Alentejo, Coimbra, and Fuentes de Oñoro.

On February 15, 1812, Montbrun was appointed commander of the 2nd Corps of the Reserve Cavalry in preparation for the Russian campaign. He distinguished himself in the battles of Svenciany and Diene before meeting his tragic end. On September 7, 1812, at the very start of the Battle of Borodino, Montbrun was struck by a cannonball while supporting General Morand's attack on the Kurgan Height.

Legacy and Family

Louis Pierre Montbrun left an enduring legacy as a valiant and skilled cavalry commander. His brother, Alexandre, also served in the French cavalry, earning the rank of Brigadier General in 1812.