Marshal of France

The Marshal of France (maréchal de France) was one of the Great Officers of the Crown of France. The title derived from the office of marescallus Franciae created by Philippe Auguste for Albéric Clément (circa 1190). It later became a distinction and takes precedence over the Constable of France, which was originally an office higher than Marshal. Up to 1791, there were 256 Marshals of France. The title was abolished by the National Convention in 1793.

Related Topics:
Great Officers of the Crown of France - Philippe Auguste - Albéric Clément - 1190 - Constable of France - Marshal - 1791 - National Convention - 1793

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During the First French Empire, Marshals were known as Marshals of the Empire. Under the Bourbon Restoration, the title reverted to Marshal of France and Napoléon III kept that designation. Four Marshals of France were given the even more exalted rank of Marshal-General: Turenne, Villars, Saxe and Soult.

Related Topics:
First French Empire - Bourbon Restoration - Napoléon III - Marshal-General - Turenne - Villars - Saxe - Soult

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In contemporary France, marshal is a military distinction, not a military rank, and is granted to generals for exceptional achievements. Its symbol, the marshal's baton, is a blue cylinder with stars (formerly fleurs-de-lis).

Related Topics:
France - Military distinction - Military rank - General - Fleurs-de-lis

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Philippe Pétain, awarded the distinction of Marshal of France for his generalship in the First World War, retained his title even after his trial and imprisonment and after he was stripped of other positions and titles.

Related Topics:
Philippe Pétain - First World War

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The last living Marshal of France was Alphonse Pierre Juin, promoted 1952, who died in 1967.

Related Topics:
Alphonse Pierre Juin - 1952 - 1967

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