About

A young nobleman from Poitou who had served in Louis XVI’s Constitutional Guard, La Rochejaquelein joined the Vendéan uprising in March 1793 at the age of twenty. His victory at Les Aubiers established his reputation, and he later fought bravely in the battles of Thouars, Fontenay-le-Comte and Saumur. After the defeat at Cholet, he was chosen general-in-chief of the Catholic and Royal Army for the Virée de Galerne. He led the insurgents through victories at Laval, Entrammes and Dol, but could not prevent the campaign from ending in defeat at Le Mans and Savenay. Brave and effective in battle, he lacked the experience required for higher command. After crossing back into the Vendée, he attempted to renew the uprising and was killed near Nuaillé on 28 January 1794.