Victor, duke de Bellune

(1764-1841)

   marshal of France

   Born Claude Perrin in Lamarche, Vosges, Victor, duke de Bellune, as he would become known, at the time of the revolution of 1789 was a volunteer with the Drôme battalion (1792), was with the Army of the Alps, and was named brigadier general at the siege of Toulon (1793). He took part in the italian campaign and played an important role at the Battle of Marengo (1800). Named ambassador to Denmark (1805), he served with distinction at Friedland (1807) and was named marshal and then duke de Bellune (1808). He served brilliantly in Spain, then in Russia, where he protected the crossing at the Bérésina River (1812). He took part in the campaign in France, distinguishing himself at La Rothière, Mormant, and Montereau (1814). After the restoration, he went over to the Bourbons and voted for the execution of Marshal ney. Minister of war (1821-23), he organized the Spanish campaign, then served as minister of state and as a member of the War Council (1823), before going over to the regime of King louis-philippe.