Births on January 10

Michel Ney, French general (d. 1815)

Michel Ney: The Bravest of the Brave and Napoleon's Impetuous Paladin

Michel Ney (French pronunciation: ​[miʃɛl nɛ]), born on 10 January 1769, was a legendary French military commander and Marshal of the Empire whose extraordinary career spanned both the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. Universally known as Marshal Ney, he was distinguished with the titles of 1st Duke of Elchingen and 1st Prince of the Moskva, solidifying his place as one of the most celebrated figures in French military history until his controversial execution on 7 December 1815.

A Distinguished Career: From Revolutionary Wars to Marshal of the Empire

Ney's military prowess saw him rise rapidly through the ranks, his bravery and aggressive command style making him a formidable presence on the battlefield. His exceptional contributions earned him a coveted spot among the original 18 Marshals of the Empire, an elite cadre established by Napoleon I in 1804. This prestigious appointment underscored his critical role in the Emperor's grand campaigns across Europe. He led corps with audacious courage in countless engagements, often serving as the rearguard commander during strategic retreats, a role that demanded immense fortitude and tactical skill.

The Honors of Elchingen and Moskva

The titles bestowed upon Marshal Ney were direct tributes to his pivotal military successes. He was granted the title of 1st Duke of Elchingen following his decisive victory at the Battle of Elchingen in 1805, a critical engagement during the Ulm Campaign that contributed significantly to the swift French triumph. Later, his extraordinary leadership and personal valor during the grueling Battle of Borodino (also known as the Battle of Moskva River) in 1812, a bloody clash during the ill-fated Russian Campaign, earned him the even higher distinction of 1st Prince of the Moskva, a testament to his unflinching courage in one of the Napoleonic Wars' bloodiest battles.

Napoleon's Complex Appraisal: Paladin, Braggart, and Don Quixote

Affectionately known by his soldiers as `Le Rougeaud` (meaning "the red-faced" or "ruddy one"), possibly due to his complexion or intense demeanor in battle, Ney's most iconic sobriquet was bestowed by Napoleon himself: `le Brave des Braves` (the Bravest of the Brave). This epithet perfectly captured Ney's consistent and legendary courage, his willingness to always lead from the front, and his seemingly impervious nature to danger. However, Napoleon's full characterization of Ney offered a more nuanced perspective on his complex personality. The Emperor described him as "a real paladin in the field," acknowledging his chivalrous, heroic, and unwavering combat prowess. Yet, Napoleon also observed critically, "a braggart without judgment and decision in the workroom," highlighting Ney's perceived shortcomings in strategic planning, administrative tasks, or diplomatic situations where pure battlefield courage was insufficient. Ultimately, Napoleon concluded that Ney was "after all is said, a Don Quixote," implying a figure driven by idealistic heroism, sometimes to the point of impracticality or misjudgment outside the direct chaos of battle, a trait that would tragically influence his final choices.

The Tragic End of a Napoleonic Legend

Despite his unparalleled bravery and fierce loyalty on the battlefield, Marshal Michel Ney's life met a tragic end. Following Napoleon's definitive defeat at the Battle of Waterloo and the subsequent second Bourbon Restoration in 1815, Ney faced accusations of treason. He had initially pledged loyalty to the re-instated Bourbon monarchy but famously rejoined Napoleon during the Hundred Days campaign, rallying troops to the Emperor's cause. For this act, he was arrested, tried by the Chamber of Peers, and controversially condemned to death. Marshal Ney was executed by firing squad in Paris on 7 December 1815, a divisive event that cemented his legacy as both a heroic figure and a tragic martyr in the annals of French history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marshal Ney

Who was Michel Ney?

Michel Ney was a renowned French military commander and one of the original 18 Marshals of the Empire under Napoleon Bonaparte, famous for his exceptional bravery and leadership during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Why was he called 'the Bravest of the Brave'?

Napoleon I bestowed the epithet `le Brave des Braves` (the Bravest of the Brave) upon Marshal Ney due to his consistent, legendary courage, his willingness to lead from the front in the thick of battle, and his seemingly fearless demeanor in the face of immense danger.

What were Michel Ney's most significant achievements?

Ney's significant achievements include his decisive victory at the Battle of Elchingen (1805), which earned him his ducal title, and his heroic command during the Battle of Borodino (1812), for which he was made Prince of the Moskva. He was also crucial in several rearguard actions, most notably during the catastrophic retreat from Moscow in 1812.

How did Marshal Ney die?

Marshal Ney was executed by firing squad for treason on 7 December 1815, after he rallied to Napoleon's side during the Hundred Days campaign, following Napoleon's escape from Elba and brief return to power.