Honoré Charles Reille
Command Ratings
Commands
Units Commanded
- Line Infantry (2B) — 24 figs at Saalfeld (1806)
Honoré Charles Michel Joseph Reille (1775–1860) was a French général de division and later Marshal of France, whose career stretched from the Revolutionary Wars to Waterloo, marked by loyalty to Masséna and steady command in Spain. Born in Antibes, he entered service in 1791 and fought in Italy at Montenotte, Lodi, Arcola, and Rivoli, later distinguishing himself at Zürich and Genoa in 1799. Rising to Général de Brigade in 1803 and général de division in 1807, he fought at Jena, Pultusk, and Friedland before extensive service in Spain, where he commanded at Valencia, Vitoria, and Roncesvalles. During the Hundred Days he led II Corps at Quatre Bras and Waterloo, bearing the brunt of Wellington’s defense. After Napoleon’s fall he adapted politically, serving as inspector-general, peer of France, senator, and finally Marshal in 1847. Reille died in Paris in 1860, buried beside Masséna at Père Lachaise, his name inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe as one of the Empire’s enduring commanders.
Com. in 1793; married Massena's daughter and an ADC on Massena's staff starting in 1796 – distinguished @ Rivoli in 1/97; X rank 8/29/03; X 05 Berthier's staff; X (in Suchet's div.) 06 Jena campaign; XX rank 12/30/06; XX (Imperial ADC) 07-09 - Friedland, Madrid, Wagram; XX 08-12 Spain – L, siege of Girona; XXX 12-14 Sorauren, L, Bidossa, Vittoria, Orthez; XXX 15 Quatre Bras, Waterloo. Regularly beaten by Wellington and could not control Jerome at Waterloo. (1775-1860)