Louis Nicolas Davout

Louis Nicolas Davout , 1770-1823, marshal of France. One of Napoleon's ablest generals, Davout defeated a Prussian army at Auerstedt (1806) and played a brilliant part in the victory at Wagram (1809). He also fought (1812) in the Russian campaign. Napoleon made him duke of Auerstedt, prince of Eckmühl, and gave him political posts including control of N Germany and Poland (1807-9). During the Hundred Days , Davout was minister of war, and after the final defeat of Napoleon (1815) and the restoration of King Louis XVIII he was for several years deprived of his rank and titles.

Davout, Louis Nicolas, Duke of Auerstädt (1770–1823) Marshal of France. He was made a general by Napoleon after the Battle of Marengo (1800) and marshal in 1804. One of Napoleon's ablest generals, his third corps played a major part at AUSTERLITZ, Auerstädt, Friedland (1807), and WAGRAM (1809). He was responsible for organizing the army that invaded Russia in 1812. During the HUNDRED DAYS, Davout was Minister of War. After the restoration of Louis XVIII he was deprived of his rank and title, but was reinstated two years later.