Félix Douay

He was the brother of another career soldier, General Abel Douay.

For bravery at the battles of Magenta and Solferino, he was elevated to brigadier general.

During the Franco-Prussian War he was Commander-in-Chief of the French Seventh Army Corps.

After the first defeats on the Alsace border, 7th Corps retreated and became part of Marshal Patrice de Mac-Mahon's frontline Army of Châlons.

After his return to France, Douay led his Fourth Army Corps against the Paris Commune.