Gerard Etienne Maurice

Gerard, Etienne Maurice, Marshal of France (1773-1852), was born in Lorraine. In 1791 he volunteered for military service, and fought under Bernadotte on the Rhine, in Itaty, La Vendee, Spain, and Germany. For his services at Austerlitz he became general of brigade, and he took part in Jena, Erfurt, and Wagram. In 1812 he distinguished himself at Smolensk and the passage of the Beresina. After Napoleon's return from Elba he had a command, and was wounded at Wavre.

He did not return to France till 1817. In 1831 he was at the head of an army sent to aid the Belgian Revolution, and in thirteen days drove the Dutch out of Belgium, and in 1832 he captured the citadel of Antwerp. He was War Minister in 1830, in which year he was made Marshal, and again in 1834. In 1835 he became Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honour, and in 1852 senator.