Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon
French general
Died when: 79 years 38 days (949 months)Star Sign: Pisces
Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon, 1st Duke of Mahón, 2nd Duke of Crillon (22 February 1717 – June 1796) was a Franco-Spanish military officer who reached the rank of Captain general of the Army.
He became a soldier at the age of 16 and served with distinction in the French army before transferring to the army of Spain, which was allied with France for much of the 18th century.
A member of a distinguished military family, he was widely admired for his personal courage, courtesy and chivalry.By the end of his life he had risen to the highest military rank in Spain and it was said that he had served in 68 engagements.
He participated in many of the major conflicts of the 18th century, including the War of the Polish Succession, the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War and the Anglo-Spanish War.
His most famous achievement was the successful invasion of Minorca in 1781, in which he defeated a British garrison and returned the island to Spain, although his efforts the following year to recapture Gibraltar from the British were a notable failure.
He ended his career in the service of the Spanish Bourbon monarchy, which had been allied with France prior to the French Revolution, and died in Madrid.
Related People
French general
French general
French general