Michel Ney

Michel Ney, duc d'Elchingen, prince de la Moskowa (Known as "Bravest of the Brave (Le Brave des braves)")

Marshal of the Empire, Hero of the Retreat from Moscow, Commanded Cavalry at Waterloo

Born Jan 10, 1769

Sarrelouis (Moselle), France

Passed Away Dec 07, 1815 Paris (Avenue de l'Observatoire), Kingdom of France

Lifespan 46 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Soldats, visez droit au cœur! (Soldiers, fire straight to the heart!)."

Archival Overview

Legendary Marshal of France acclaimed by Napoleon as 'the Bravest of the Brave' for his heroic rearguard defense during the 1812 retreat from Moscow, who led the mass cavalry charges at Waterloo.

Biographical Record

Son of a cooper, Ney enlisted as a hussar private at eighteen, rising by sheer battlefield courage through the Revolutionary Wars. Napoleon made him one of the original Marshals in 1804 and Duke of Elchingen following his victory in 1805. At the bloody Battle of Borodino (1812), he was created Prince of the Moskowa.

During the catastrophic retreat from Moscow in 1812, Ney was the last Frenchman to cross the Dnieper River, rifle in hand. Rallying to Napoleon during the Hundred Days, he had five horses shot under him at Waterloo. Condemned to death for treason by the Bourbon Chamber of Peers, he commanded his own execution firing squad: 'Soldiers, aim straight for the heart!'.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Père Lachaise Cemetery (Division 29)
Paris, France

                         GPS: 48.8617, 2.3944                    

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