Eloi Charlemagne Taupin

Who was Eloi Charlemagne Taupin?

Eloi Charlemagne Taupin became a French soldier before the French Revolution and was killed in 1814 leading his division in battle against the British in southern France. After fighting in the French Revolutionary Wars, he was promoted to command an infantry regiment at the beginning of the First French Empire. He led the unit during the War of the Third Coalition in 1805. The following year he fought in the War of the Fourth Coalition. In 1809 he led a brigade during the War of the Fifth Coalition but only fought in a minor engagement.

He transferred to Spain where he fought in the Peninsular War including the battles of Bussaco, Salamanca, and Vitoria. He was appointed to command an infantry division in Marshal Nicolas Soult's army in July 1813. He led his troops in the battles of the Pyrenees, San Marcial, the Bidassoa, Nivelle, the Nive, Orthez, and Toulouse, and was fatally wounded in the last action. Ironically, his death came a few days after Napoleon abdicated his throne.