Gérard

Gérard, ÉTIENNE MAURICE, COMTE, Marshal of France, was born at Damvilliers, in Lorraine, 4th April 1773. Volunteering into the army in 1791, he associated his fortunes for some years with those of Bernadotte, serving on the Rhine, in Italy, in the Vendée campaign, in Germany, and in Spain, where he especially distinguished himself at Fuentes de Oñoro. For his brilliant services at Austerlitz (1805) he was appointed general of brigade; he also took a notable part at Jena (1806), Erfurt (1806), and Wagram (1809). During the Russian campaign of 1812 he rendered conspicuous service at the capture of Smolensk, in the battle of Valon- tina-Gora, and at the passage of the Beresina. After Napoleon's return from Elba he commanded a division at Ligny, and was wounded at Wavre. The second restoration compelled him to leave France, and he did not return till 1817. In 1831 he commanded the French army sent to the assistance of the Belgians against the Dutch, whom he drove out of Flanders, and on 27th December 1832 compelled the citadel of Antwerp to capitulate. After the July revolution of 1830 he was appointed marshal and war-minister by Louis-Philippe; he was again war-minister from July to October in 1834. He died at Paris, 17th April 1852.