Archduke Charles

Archduke of Austria
1771-1847

The epileptic younger brother of Francis I, Archduke Charles was respected as both a commander, and reformer, of Austria's fragile 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 the whirlwind of 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 and yet stood only five feet tall.