Claude-Victor Perrin
A steadfast Marshal of Napoleon's empire, whose military career spanned the Revolution's chaos, the glory of the Grande Armée, and the Bourbon restoration.
1764–1841 (age 77)·French military commander·Birthday: December 7
Biography
Claude-Victor Perrin, who would become the Duke of Belluno, embodied the tumultuous rise and fall of Napoleonic France. Enlisting as a drummer boy in the revolutionary army, his courage and competence propelled him through the ranks during the whirlwind campaigns of the 1790s. Napoleon, recognizing a reliable commander, made him a Marshal of the Empire in 1807. Victor led corps with solid effectiveness in pivotal battles like Friedland and the invasion of Russia. His story, however, is also one of political survival. After being captured in the war's final days, he switched his allegiance to the returned Bourbon monarchy, serving as a minister of war—a move that cemented his reputation as a capable soldier who served the state, whichever form it took.
#1 When Claude-Victor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1764
Claude-Victor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1764Born
1769Started school
1777Became a teenager
1780Could drive
1782Could vote
1785Turned 21
1794Turned 30
1804Turned 40
1814Turned 50
1824Turned 60
1834Turned 70
1841Died at 77
Key Achievements
- Was created a Marshal of the Empire by Napoleon I in 1807.
- Commanded a corps decisively at the Battle of Friedland, helping secure a French victory over Russia.
- Served as the French Minister of War from 1821 to 1823 under King Louis XVIII.
- His title, Duke of Belluno, was named after the Italian town of Belluno, a reward for his service.
Did You Know?
His surname was Perrin, but he is universally known in history as Marshal Victor.
He began his military life at age 15 as a drummer in the artillery regiment.
He was one of the few Napoleonic marshals to hold high office after the monarchy was restored.
“A soldier's first duty is to obey, and to execute orders with precision.”
