Pierre Watier

Who was Pierre Watier?

Pierre Watier or Pierre Wathier, was a French general of division during the First French Empire under Napoleon. He served in the cavalry during his entire career. After his exploits at Austerlitz he was promoted to general officer. He fought in the War of the Fourth Coalition and the Peninsular War and later led heavy cavalry divisions at Borodino and Waterloo. Born at Laon, Aisne, Watier is one of 660 personalities to have their names inscribed under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the city where he died. WATHIER appears on Column 12.