Michel Ney

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Michel Ney (1792)

Maréchal Ney à Eylau

Heraldic achievement of Michel Ney, Duke of Elchingen

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Adolphe Yvon (1817-1893) - Marshall Ney at retreat in Russia

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Michel Ney (10 January 1769 – 7 December 1815), dubbed le Rougeaud ("the ruddy") and later le Brave des Braves ("the bravest of the brave") by Napoleon Bonaparte, was a French soldier and military commander during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. Ney was one of the original 18 Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon, and his military prowess and leadership played a crucial role in numerous key battles, including the Battle of Ulm, the Battle of Elchingen, the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt, and the Battle of Waterloo.

Early Life

Michel Ney was born in the town of Sarrelouis, in the French province of Lorraine. His early life was modest, and he initially trained as a notary before the outbreak of the French Revolution provided him with the opportunity to pursue a military career.

Military Career

Ney's military career began in the French Revolutionary Army, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his bravery and leadership skills. By the time of the Napoleonic Wars, Ney had established himself as one of Napoleon's most trusted commanders. He was instrumental in several key victories, which earned him the title of Marshal of the Empire in 1804.

During the Peninsular War, Ney's command was marked by both brilliance and controversy, particularly during the retreat from Spain. His leadership during the Russian Campaign of 1812 was notable for his rearguard actions during the retreat from Moscow, which saved the remnants of the Grande Armée from complete annihilation.

The Hundred Days and Waterloo

Following Napoleon's abdication in 1814, Ney pledged allegiance to the restored Bourbon monarchy. However, upon Napoleon's return from exile in 1815, Ney rejoined his former emperor during the Hundred Days. He commanded the left wing of the French Army at the Battle of Waterloo, where his charges against the British and allied lines were both heroic and futile, ultimately leading to Napoleon's final defeat.

Trial and Execution

After the defeat at Waterloo and the second restoration of the Bourbon monarchy, Ney was arrested, tried for treason, and found guilty. Despite appeals for clemency, he was executed by firing squad in Paris on 7 December 1815. Ney's last words were reportedly a declaration of his loyalty to France, refusing to be blindfolded and giving the order to fire himself.

Legacy

Michel Ney is remembered as one of the most courageous and colorful figures of the Napoleonic Wars. His leadership and bravery in battle were acknowledged by friends and foes alike. Ney's life and career symbolize the tumultuous period of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe, a time marked by revolutionary change and the rise and fall of empires.