Pierre Watier

Born at Laon, Aisne, Watier is one of 660 personalities to have their names inscribed under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the city where he died.

Elevated to the rank of Count of the Empire, with the title of Saint-Alphonse, on 19 March 1808, he takes command in next July of the 3rd Cavalry Corps of the Army of Spain, with which he distinguishes himself at Burgos, at Fuentes-de-Oñoro and during the siege of Saragossa.

Called up then to the Grand Army for the Russian campaign of 1812, he is given command of the 2nd Cuirassiers Division of the 2nd Reserve Cavalry Corps, with which he distinguishes himself at Borodino.

After the Emperor's abdication, he is placed in non-activity and is awarded with Knight's cross of the Royal and Military Order of Saint-Louis on 19 July 19.

Replaced in non-activity after the Second Restoration, he is called back in availability on 30 December 1818 and then posted as Inspector-General of Cavalry in 1820 and 1821 and awarded with Grand-Officer's cross of the Légion d'honneur on 1 May 1821.