Archduke Charles

The epileptic younger brother of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, Archduke Charles of Austria (1771 - 1847) achieved respect both as a commander and as a reformer of Austria's army.

He began his career fighting the revolutionary armies of France and saw victory at Jemappes[?] 1792 and Neerwinden[?] 1793, before tasting defeat at Wattignies[?] 1793 and Fleurus 1794.

Serving with distinction against Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796, Charles then beat lesser opponents such as General Jourdan[?] and General Massena[?].

After instigating reforms for Austria's armies he went into the 1809 campaign with confidence and inflicted Bonaparte's first major setback at Aspern-Essling[?], before suffering a massive defeat at Wagram[?].

Charles was one of Bonaparte's most talented opponents.