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Our history books tell us the French Revolution was a fight against tyranny. History being written by the winner; the heroes that fought for a cause, to defend their faith and homeland were never mentioned. Here is a thread on some of the generals of The Catholic and Royal Army:
Jacques Cathelineau, nicknamed Saint of Anjou by his followers was Generalissimo of the Catholic and Royal Army. He inspired his troops by fighting alongside them on the front lines, which proved to be his downfall. (1/2)
In the summer of 1793, while he and his men were storming the city of Nantes, Cathelineau was shot down by a sniper and died soon afterwards. Without his leadership the royalists were defeated and soon they broke up into different factions. (2/2)
Maurice d'Elbée was the second commander in chief of the Catholic and Royal Army. He is famous for his actions after their victory in the Battle of Chemillé in 1793 when he stopped his soldiers from avenging their dead by excecuting the Republican prisoners. (1/2)
He then asked his soldiers to recite the Our Father, and when they reached the sentence "And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us", he interrupted them with the words: "Do not lie to God!". Moved by this, his men backed down. (2/2)
Charles Artus De Bonchamps was chosen leader by the insurgents of the Vendée. His directives were able to secure a large amount of supplies and weapons that would greatly aid the counterrevolution. He was one of the best tactical leaders of the Vendéans.
François Athanase de Charette was a French Royalist soldier and politician. He joined Jacques Cathelineau and fought in most of the battles of the Catholic and Royal Army. Charette was described by Napoleon as a great character and military leader who "betrays genius".
Henri de la Rochejaquelein was the youngest general of the Royalist Vendéan insurrection. A commander-in-chief at the age of 21, he is regarded as one of the most courageous officers in French military history.
Louis Marie de Salgues de Lescure was arrested for opposing the Revolution. He was later set free by the Royalists and became one of their leaders. He was the first to enter the city during the the Battle of Fontenay-le-Comte, and freed the Vendéan prisoners inside.
