Of all the marshals, Davout had the strongest character. He was obeyed by his subordinates---even Vandamme---but was respected rather than loved. medium height, robust, severe features, prematurely bald. Very near-sighted, he wore special combat glasses that fastened at the back of his head. Cold, methodical, incorruptible, quiet, with an agile and open mind. An expert organiser; supervised the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw. His troops were always the best trained, equipped, and disciplined in the Grande Armee, and usually got the hardest assignments. Strict with his officers, he remembered and rewarded competence, and took responsibility for their mishaps when they had acted according to his orders. Had unusual skill in intelligence work. Although he was harsh in his dealings with civilians when it was necessary to feed his troops, he permitted no looting. Excellent tactician and strategist; never defeated. Soldiers called him "The Just."
Bookmarks