Lot, Henri/Lapray, Olivier Le général Ordener

Commandant des grenadiers à cheval de la Garde Impériale & premier écuyer de l'impératrice Joséphine

New edition of the biography of a Lorraine general, taken from a work printed in 1910 in a limited edition of 300 copies. Michel Ordener joined the cavalry in 1773 at the age of 18. The new principles of the Revolution enabled him to become an officer, and thanks to his brilliant service, he was appointed commander of the 10th Regiment of Mounted Hunters at the age of 41. During the Italian campaign of 1796-1797, he impressed General Bonaparte with his bravery. As First Consul, Bonaparte entrusted him with the command of the mounted grenadiers of his guard, which was just being formed. With the rigour, high standards and goodwill that had already distinguished him in the 10th Mounted Light Infantry Regiment, General Ordener established this elite unit's reputation for solidity, courage and discipline. A sincere and loyal man, he was appointed by Bonaparte to command the troops sent to Germany in March 1804 to arrest the Duke of Enghien. Ordener fulfilled this mission of trust tactfully and efficiently, having the Duke arrested under the protection of a dragoon unit of gendarmes and bringing him back to Strasbourg. The following year, General Ordener took part in the campaign against Austria with the cavalry of the Imperial Guard. He attacked brilliantly at the Battle of Austerlitz and, with his mounted grenadiers, completely defeated the Tsar's cavalry guards, thus contributing significantly to the success of the day. Back in Paris, Napoleon took him into his service as the Empress's first equerry. Once again recognised for his loyalty to his rulers, he served Joséphine for four years, where he was reunited with his friend Prince Eugène, who had also been his deputy in the cavalry of the Guard. After the imperial divorce, General Ordener was appointed governor of the Château de Compiègne, where he died suddenly in 1811, three days before his 56th birthday. With his outstanding bravery, in-depth expertise and keen understanding of the situation, Michel Ordener remains the epitome of courage and discipline two words that were emblazoned in gold letters on the flag of the mounted grenadiers of the Guard under his command.