Philibert Jean-Baptiste Curial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philibert Jean-Baptiste Curial
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Philibert Jean-Baptiste Curial, an 1820 portrait
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| Born | 21 April 1774 Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, Savoy |
| Died | 30 May 1829 Paris |
| Allegiance | France |
| Infantry | |
| Years of service | 1792-1825 |
| Rank | Général de division |
| Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis |
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Philibert-Jean-Baptiste François Joseph, comte Curial (born April 21, 1774 – died May 30, 1829) was an important general in the French Imperial Army. He served during the Napoleonic Wars, a time of many conflicts in Europe.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Philibert Curial was born in Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, a region called Savoy. His father, François Joseph Curial, was a judge. He also represented the Mont Blanc region in a government group called the Council of Ancients.
In 1793, when the French army moved into Savoy, young Curial decided to join the military. He started as a captain in the Légion des Allobroges. He was sent to southern France to help stop a rebellion.
Joining the Army of Italy
After this, Curial joined the French Army of Italy. He then took part in the Egyptian campaign. He fought in almost all the battles there.
In 1799, he was promoted to a higher rank, called chef de bataillon. Later, he became a colonel of the 88th Infantry Regiment. He received the Legion of Honour, a very important award, for his service.
Hero at Austerlitz
Curial showed great bravery at the Battle of Austerlitz. His actions earned him an even higher honor, the cross of commander of the Legion of Honour. He also became a colonel-major in the Imperial Guard.
Fighting with Napoleon
Curial continued to show his skills in battle. He fought well at the Battle of Eylau and the Battle of Friedland. After these battles, he was promoted again to général de brigade. He also received the title of Baron of the Empire in 1808.
Capturing Essling
He played a key role in the Battle of Aspern-Essling. His troops managed to capture the village of Essling. This was a big deal because seven other attempts had failed. For this brave act, Emperor Napoleon made him a général de division on June 5, 1809.
After returning to Paris, General Curial married the daughter of Count Beugnot, a State Councilor.
The Russian Campaign and Beyond
In 1812, Curial joined the French invasion of Russia. He commanded the Fusiliers-Chasseurs Regiment of the Imperial Guard. He showed great courage during this difficult campaign.
He survived the harsh French retreat from Russia. In 1813, Emperor Napoleon asked him to organize and lead twelve new battalions of the Young Guard.
Battles in Germany and France
Curial led these new troops in the German Campaign of 1813. He fought in the Battle of Leipzig on October 16. There, he captured a key position and took many Austrian soldiers prisoner.
On October 30, Curial was crucial in defending against the Austro-Bavarian army at the Battle of Hanau. For his service, he received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Reunion.
He also fought in battles as the allied forces pushed into France. He was especially brave at the battles of Vauchamps and Craonne. He also fought in the Battle of Paris. The Emperor made him a count of the Empire in March 1814.
Changes in Power: Bourbon Restoration and Hundred Days
After Napoleon's first defeat, Curial was one of the first generals to support Louis XVIII. This was part of the Bourbon Restoration. The King honored him with several titles and positions. He became a Knight of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis and a Peer of France.
Napoleon's Return
When Napoleon escaped from Elba and returned to power for the Hundred Days, Curial fell out of favor. Napoleon removed him from his command. Curial was sent to Lyons to serve in the Army of the Alps.
Later Life and Legacy
After Napoleon's final defeat, Curial got his military honors back. He became Inspector General of Infantry. He also returned to his seat as a peer.
In 1823, Curial commanded a division in Catalonia, Spain. This was part of the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis campaign. He showed great skill in battles near Barcelona.
Honors and Retirement
His standing at court grew. He was appointed commander of St. Louis and became a high-ranking official in the king's household. He attended the Coronation of Charles X in 1825.
During the trip to the coronation, Curial had a serious fall. His health got worse, and he had to retire. He remained loyal to King Charles X.
Philibert Curial passed away in Paris on May 30, 1829. His name is honored on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Family Life
Philibert Curial married Clémentine Marie Amélie Beugnot in Paris in 1808. They had three children together:
- Napoléon Joseph (1809-1861): He became the 2nd count Curial. He was a cavalry officer and later a senator.
- Marie Clémentine (1812-1889): She married Louis Gabriel Le Duc, Marquis de Saint-Clou.
- Adolphe Philibert (1814-1873): He was known as viscount Curial. He also married and had children.
