Born in Goslar in 1696, Maurice de Saxe established a military reputation as an illegitimate son of Augustus II the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony. He navigated multiple European conflicts, eventually serving France as Marshal General of the King's camps and armies until his death at the Château de Chambord in 1750.
Early Military Service
At age twelve, Maurice participated in the War of the Spanish Succession under Prince Eugene of Savoy, serving at the sieges of Tournai and Mons and the Battle of Malplaquet. By 1713, he commanded his own regiment in the Royal Saxon Army. In 1717, he served Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor against the Ottoman Empire before relocating to Paris to study mathematics.
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In 1726, he was chosen as Duke of Courland with support from Anna Ivanovna but struggled to maintain authority after declining her marriage offer. During the War of the Polish Succession, he served under the Duke of Berwick. In 1741, he executed a successful night surprise against Prague, seizing the city before the garrison could respond, a feat he later replicated by capturing Eger.
Marshal of France
Promoted to Marshal of France in 1743, he defended against larger forces with limited manpower. During the War of the Austrian Succession, he oversaw the capture of Brussels and victories at Rocoux, Lawfeldt, and Maastricht. His most significant engagement occurred at the Battle of Fontenoy, where he led operations from a wicker chariot due to his physical condition. He was later naturalised as a French subject.
Innovations and Final Years
Beyond his command, he developed the amusette, a light-artillery piece capable of firing a half-pound ball over 4,000 paces. In 1747, he received the title of Marshal General of France. Following his death in 1750, he was buried at Saint Thomas Church in Strasbourg.
Fast facts
- Born: 1696, Goslar
- Died: 1750, Château de Chambord
- Military Ranks: Marshal of France, Marshal General of France
- Citizenship: France, Germany, Russian Empire
- Primary Conflict: War of the Austrian Succession
- Burial Site: Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg
- Key Invention: Amusette light-artillery piece
Questions readers ask
What major military command did Maurice de Saxe hold?
He served as Marshal General of the King's camps and armies, a title revived specifically for him in 1747.
Where is Maurice de Saxe buried?
Following his death in 1750, he was interred at the Saint Thomas Church in Strasbourg.
Achievements
- Worked as military leader, military officer and politician
