Carte de visite Paul Frecker Franþois Certain Canrobert was born at St Cyr in 1809. He received his commission as a sub-lieutenant in 1828, becoming a lieutenant in 1833. After an illustrious military career serving in North Africa and a corresponding rise through the ranks, he was summoned to Paris and made aide-de-camp to the president, Louis-Napoléon, taking part in the coup d'état of 2 December 1851. He commanded a division during the Crimean War, and was twice wounded. On the death of St Arnaud, he succeeded to chief command of the French army. His horse was killed underneath him at Inkerman. Disagreements with the English commander-in-chief and disappointment over the prolonged siege of Sebastopol led to his resignation of the command.
After his return to France he was sent on diplomatic missions to Denmark and Sweden, and made a marshal and senator of France (Grand Cross Legion of Honour). He saw further service in Lombardy in 1859, distinguishing himself at Magenta and Solferino. In the Franco-Prussian War he saw action at the battle of Gravelotte. After the war, Canrobert was appointed a member of the superior council of war, and was also active in political life. He died at Paris on 28 January 1895 and his remains were accorded the honour of a public funeral. His Souvenirs were published in 1898.
