André Masséna, Duke of Rivoli, Prince of Essling (Prince d'Essling) (May 6, 1758–July 4, 1817), was Napoleon's field marshal. Historians regard him as one of the best infantry commanders in French military history, and Napoleon himself describes him as the most remarkable commander of the French Empire's army. Masséna was dubbed "the Dear Child of Victory" (l'Enfant chéri de la Victoire) for his efforts on the battlefield.
Andre Massena Biography
André Masséna (or Andrea Massena) was born in the southern French city of Nice in 1758. His father was a Jewish business owner whose surname was originally Menasse. Masséna's mother remarried after his father died in 1764, leaving the youngster in the care of a relative.Masséna began working aboard a cargo ship in the Mediterranean Sea when he was 13 years old. After four years at sea, he returned to Nice in 1775 and enlisted in the Italian royal regiment. In 1789, he resigned from the army as a warrant lieutenant (the highest rank for a soldier without a noble pedigree, such as Masséna). Only two years later, he re-enlisted and was elevated to colonel in 1792.
Andre Massena's Career
Conflict in the French Revolution
When the French Revolution began in April 1789, Masséna's unit was stationed on the border with the Italian territory of Piedmont. Masséna's battalion was absorbed into the regular French force as part of the Italian legion (Armée d'Italie) in October 1792.
Masséna quickly demonstrated his ability on the battlefield, and he was only advanced to major general in August 1793, and lieutenant general in December. He was especially notable during the First Italian Campaign, winning at Saorgio (1794) and Loano (1795). Masséna was appointed commander of two elite divisions of Napoleon Bonaparte's guard in March 1796. During the triumphs at Arcole and Rivoli, Masséna remained one of Napoleon's most important generals.
Masséna was transferred to command French troops stationed in Switzerland in 1799, where he defeated Russian units headed by Alexander Korsakov at the 2nd Battle of Zurich in September, once again compelling the tsar to sign the treaty alliance with France.
Masséna returned to Italy in 1800 and commanded French forces throughout the Siege of Genoa, one of his most notable successes, until the Battle of Marengo (June 14, 1800). Masséna was appointed commander-in-chief of the French forces in Italy following the Battle of Marengo, but he was immediately fired for allowing the troops to loot.
Napoleonic Wars and After
Napoleon did not completely trust Masséna until 1804. In May 1804, he was appointed Field Marshal of France and given the Legion of Honor in 1805. Masséna ordered French soldiers to conquer Verona and fight the Austrians at the Battle of Caldiero on October 30, 1805. Masséna was appointed leader of the expedition against the Kingdom of Naples, but he fired again in August 1806 for allowing his forces to plunder and slaughter residents at Lauria.
In 1807, Masséna was recalled to command Napoleon's army's right flank (La Grande Armée). With his talent, he swiftly won the campaign at Rivoli. During a hunting trip in the Paris suburbs, Field Marshal Berthier inadvertently shot Masséna, injuring his eye.
During the Battle of Aspern-Essling in 1809, the Austrians broke off the vanguard divisions of the IV Corps, led by Masséna, from the main force. Masséna was injured once more when his horse fell over a rabbit hole, knocking the marshal to the ground. He remained on the battlefield, sitting in a cart, commanding the French until the dispersed units could rejoin the army. In 1810, he has bestowed the title Prince of Essling for his achievements at Essling and Wagram.
Masséna led the French troops to attack Portugal in 1810. On September 27, he was successful in forcing the coalition forces back to the Torres Vedras line at the Battle of Buçaco. However, following setbacks at the Battles of Barrosa and Fuentes de Oro, Masséna was obliged to leave Portugal, be replaced by Field Marshal Auguste Marmont, and be posted to head the provincial army in Marseille.
Masséna returned to the army only after Napoleon abdicated and King Louis XVIII ascended the throne. Masséna declined to fight for both the royalists and the Napoleonic forces during the 100-Day Reign. Following Napoleon's defeat, Masséna refused to take part in the trial of Field Marshal Ney. He died a short time later, on April 4, 1817, at the age of 58.
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