François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt
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François de Croix, Count of Clerfayt
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| Born | 14 October 1733 |
| Died | 21 July 1798 (aged 64) |
| Allegiance |  Habsburg Monarchy |
| Years of service | 1753 – c. 1798 |
| Rank | Field marshal |
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| Awards | Military Order of Maria Theresa |
François Sébastien Charles Joseph de Croix, Count of Clerfayt (born October 14, 1733 – died July 21, 1798) was a famous military leader. He was from a region called Wallonia. He joined the army of the Habsburg monarchy, which was a powerful empire in Europe.
Clerfayt quickly became known for his skills. He fought in several important wars. These included the Seven Years' War, a war against the Ottoman Empire, and the French Revolutionary Wars. He rose through the ranks to become a Field Marshal, which is a very high military position.
Contents
Becoming a Military Leader
Early Army Days
Clerfayt started his army career in the Seven Years' War (1756–1763). This was a big war that involved many European countries. He showed great bravery and skill during this time. Because of his actions, he was promoted very quickly.
He also received a special award called the Military Order of Maria Theresa. This was a high honor for military heroes. By the end of the war in 1763, he was already an Oberst (a colonel), even though he was still under 30 years old.
Fighting in Other Conflicts
In 1787, there was a revolt in the Netherlands. Clerfayt was from Wallonia, and some people tried to convince him to leave the side of Emperor Joseph II. But he stayed loyal to the Emperor.
The next year, he went to fight in the Austro-Turkish War. He was a Feldmarschal-Leutnant, which is like a lieutenant field marshal. He led his own group of soldiers and was very successful. He defeated the Turkish army in battles at Mehadia and Calafat. Because of his victories, the Emperor made him a Feldzeugmeister on November 10, 1788. This was another important military rank.
Leading in the French Revolutionary Wars
Battles in the Netherlands
In 1792, the French Revolutionary Wars began. Clerfayt was one of the best generals for the Emperor. He was given command of the Austrian soldiers in the army led by the Duke of Brunswick. His troops won a battle against the French Revolution army at La Croix-aux-Bois.
Later, in the Netherlands, he commanded the middle part of the army at the Battle of Jemappes on November 6. In 1793, he started the year with a win at the Aldenhoven. This victory helped to free the city of Maastricht. On March 18, 1793, he played a key role in the big defeat of Charles Dumouriez at the Battle of Neerwinden. However, his winning streak ended in October at the Battle of Wattignies.
Campaigns and Retreats
Clerfayt also took part in the Flanders Campaign in 1794. He was fighting against the French general Charles Pichegru. At the Battle of Tourcoing on May 17–18, he led a group of soldiers from the north. A French force slowed him down. Then, another French general defeated the main Anglo-Austrian army. This forced Clerfayt to retreat.
During this campaign, Clerfayt took over as the main commander from Prince Josias of Coburg. But he couldn't stop the French army. He had to lead his troops back across the Rhine River.
Final Commands and Retirement
On April 22, 1795, Clerfayt became a Feldmarschall, the highest military rank. He commanded the army along the middle Rhine River against the French general Jean-Baptiste Jourdan. This time, his luck changed. Clerfayt defeated Jourdan at Höchst. He also brilliantly helped to free the city of Mainz.
However, the Austrian Foreign Minister, Johann Thugut, did not like that Clerfayt made a ceasefire agreement with the French. Because of this, Clerfayt left his command. He then became a member of the Aulic Council in Vienna, which was a high court. He passed away in 1798.
A street in Hernals, Vienna, called Clerfaytgasse, is named after him.
