Wilhelm of the Palatinate-Zweibrücken facts for kids

Philippe Guillaume (born 1754, died 1807) was a brave soldier who became a general. He was also known as Wilhelm von Zweibrücken. He served in the French Army and later became a general in the Bavarian Army.

Early Life and Family

Wilhelm von Zweibrücken was the second of six children. His father was Christian IV, and his mother was Maria Johanna Camasse. Because of the way their parents' marriage was set up, Wilhelm and his siblings could not inherit their father's title as Duke right away. However, in 1792, they were allowed to use the noble name Freiherr von Zweibrücken.

In 1780, Wilhelm married Martine-Adelaide de Polastron. They had four children together:

• Christian (1782–1859), who also became a general later on.
• Karl (1784-1812)
• Maria Anna, Countess von Forbach (1785-1857)
• Henriette

Military Career

Wilhelm's father had an agreement with Louis XV of France, the King of France. This agreement meant that a German army group would be formed to help France if needed. Because of this, the "Royal Deux-Ponts" Infantry Regiment was created in 1757. It had two main groups of soldiers.

Serving in the Seven Years' War

The "Royal Deux-Ponts" regiment was first sent to fight in the Seven Years' War. They took part in the Battle of Rossbach. At this time, Wilhelm's older brother, Christian, was the leader of the regiment. Wilhelm was his second-in-command.

Fighting in the American Revolutionary War

Later, the "Royal Deux-Ponts" regiment joined a special army group led by De Rochambeau. This group went to America to fight in the American Revolutionary War. The regiment played an important role in the Battle of Yorktown, which happened on October 4, 1781. This battle was sometimes called the "German Battle."

During the Battle of Yorktown, Wilhelm led 400 French soldiers in a brave attack. They stormed a British fort called Redoubt 9. This attack was very important because it helped to break through the British defenses.

After the French Revolution

After the French Revolution, Wilhelm continued his military career. He became a general in the Bavarian army. He passed away in Munich in 1807. Both he and his brother Christian are buried in the Old Southern Cemetery in Munich.

Legacy

There is a special memorial for Wilhelm and his brother in the European Rosegarden in Zweibrücken.

Awards

• Order of Saint Louis