Claude François Ferey

Who was Claude François Ferey?

Claude François Ferey, Baron de Rozengath became a division commander during the Napoleonic Wars and was killed fighting the British in Spain. In 1787 he joined the French Royal Army and became an officer in 1792. During the French Revolutionary Wars he fought at Mainz and in the Vendée. Appointed commander of the 24th Light Infantry Demi-Brigade in 1796, he led his unit at Neuwied, Montebello, and Marengo.

Promoted to general of brigade in 1803, he led a brigade at Austerlitz, Jena, Lübeck, Bergfried, Eylau, Lomitten, and Heilsberg. Posted to Spain, he led his brigade at Bussaco and Casal Novo. After elevation to general of division, he commanded his division at Fuentes de Onoro. At the end of the Battle of Salamanca his division held off the victorious Anglo-Portuguese, while the rest of the army escaped. He was killed in this action. His surname is one of the Names inscribed under the Arc de Triomphe, on Column 38.