Post by stamptracker on Jan 22, 2020 2:46:39 GMT
During the French Revolution period and when France was invaded by the Prussians and Austrians (Allies), a fierce battle took place in a french town called Valmy which ironically should never have been fought.
"The Austrians and Prussians confidently expected to sweep aside the French armies opposing them, which they incorrectly believed to be made up of revolutionary rabble." Wikipedia
The Allies were just outside of Paris but King Fredrick William of Prussia ordered a change of direction and met the French forces head on at Valmy. Miraculously, the Austrians and Prussians were driven back, Paris saved, and the La Marseillaise French national anthem was sung for the first time.
My Great-great-great-great-great-uncle (five greats) was Charles Antoine-Guillaume Blandin de Dechalain and he fought at the Battle of Valmya. He was a French Colonel at the time in the 45e Regiment Infantry of Ligne. He later rose to the rank of General of the brigade on the 30 July 1793.
"The Austrians and Prussians confidently expected to sweep aside the French armies opposing them, which they incorrectly believed to be made up of revolutionary rabble." Wikipedia
The Allies were just outside of Paris but King Fredrick William of Prussia ordered a change of direction and met the French forces head on at Valmy. Miraculously, the Austrians and Prussians were driven back, Paris saved, and the La Marseillaise French national anthem was sung for the first time.
My Great-great-great-great-great-uncle (five greats) was Charles Antoine-Guillaume Blandin de Dechalain and he fought at the Battle of Valmya. He was a French Colonel at the time in the 45e Regiment Infantry of Ligne. He later rose to the rank of General of the brigade on the 30 July 1793.