Charles Angélique François Huchet de la Bédoyère, an officer of the Légion d’Honneur (1786-1815), was a young military man who quickly rose through the ranks.
During the 100 days, La Bédoyère brought an entire regiment over to Napoleon's cause as the Emperor made his way up through France from Elba, and was then promoted to the rank of general before becoming a peer of France and Count of the Empire on 2nd June.
At Waterloo he was an aide-de-camp for Napoleon himself, incensing the Maréchal Ney by allegedly ordering Drouet d’Erlon’s men to march to Ligny on 16th June, thus leaving Ney isolated.
After Waterloo La Bédoyère returned to Paris where he attempted to secure Napoleon’s abdication and the coronation of his son, Napoleon II. With Louis XVIII's return to Paris he left for Riom on 12th July. His name was on a list of those condemned for betraying the King published on 24th July, which meant he needed to leave the country. However, he first returned to Paris in early August to see his young family one last time. He was recognised, denounced and arrested.
Despite the protection of Fouché and Constant, La Bédoyère was court-marshalled and sentenced to death on 15th August 1815. He was executed on 19th August 1815 and was buried at the Père-Lachaise cemetery.
His tomb reflects his family’s commitment to the French military and the Napoleonic imaginary.
