Claude Louis Hector, Duke of Villars

Claude Louis Hector de Villars, Duke of Villars (1653–1734), was one of only six commanders in French history promoted to Marshal General of France. Known for his flamboyant bravado, boundless self-confidence, and frontline courage, Villars was the indispensable savior of the kingdom during the darkest hours of the War of the Spanish Succession.

In 1709, at the titanic Battle of Malplaquet, Villars confronted Marlborough and Prince Eugene; though wounded in the knee and forced to yield the field, he inflicted over 24,000 casualties on the Allies—double French losses—prompting his famous quip: 'If it please God to give your Majesty's enemies another such victory, they are undone.' In 1712, with France on the brink of foreign invasion, Villars achieved his tactical masterstroke at the Battle of Denain, deceiving Eugene with a feigned march and crushing the Allied camp, saving France and dictating the Peace of Utrecht.