The Death-Defying Life of Joachim Murat
Some men die young through no fault of their own. Others embrace death in every engagement, only for it to elude them. Napoleon’s bravest soldier, Joachim Murat, was one such example. Known for his flamboyant style and unparalleled courage, Murat’s life was a string of battles where, in every engagement, he seemed to defy death itself. Here are just some of the occasions where Marshal Murat narrowly escaped mortality:
Shot Through the Jaw
During the Battle of Aboukir, Murat advanced to far that he encounted the Turkish commander, Mustafa Pasha, in his tent. Murat raised his sabre and swung at Pasha, but not before Pasha could discharge a pistol shot into Murat’s jaw. The bullet miraculously missed his tongue and teeth, a stroke of luck owed entirely to Murat’s mouth being open at the moment of impact.
Concealing his concern, Napoleon quipped: “It was the only time he had opened it for good use!”
Riddled with Bullets
At the Battle of Marengo, Murat’s movements could scarcely be accounted for. This is because he spent the entire battle leading charge after charge to relieve French troops under heavy pressure. At one point, he even took command of the Guard on foot, who knew him well. They stood like a ‘living citadel’ against the brunt of the Austrian advance, allowing the French to avoid a rout, and turn the tide later. The dispatches merely noted:
“General Murat had his clothes riddled with bullets.”
The Peacock of Hof
During the Battle of Hof, Murat’s opulent attire made him an irresistible target. Adorned with gold, diamonds, and a luxurious fur pelisse, he drew the attention of the finest Russian swordsmen. Despite the danger, Murat stood at the heart of the mêlée, where he routed the enemy without suffering so much as a scratch, though his coat, once again, bore the marks of numerous bullets.
Rescued by Lasalle at Heilsberg
Charging alongside General Lasalle at the Battle of Heilsberg, Murat’s horse was killed beneath him, leaving him surrounded by enemy troops and fighting for his life. Seeing his friend surrounded, General Lasalle rushed to Murat’s aid, cutting down several Russians to rescue him.
Murat, having recently saved Lasalle himself, extended his thanks: “We are quits now, my dear general!”
The Bird of Paradise
Murat’s extravagant attire often made him a visible target, such as during one engagement when Prussian artillery began focusing their fire on him. As shells rained down perilously close, Napoleon—standing nearby—was warned of the danger. Unfazed, Napoleon remarked, “Nay, they are trying to wing Murat, my bird of paradise!”
Dripping with Blood in Russia
During the advance in Russia, Murat led a charge with no more than sixty men. Before long, Murat was overwhelmed by the Russian cavalry. Distracted, he did not notice a Russian swinging his sabre beside him to cut him down. At the last moment, a staff officer intervened, killing the enemy before he could slay the King of Naples. Napoleon himself later remark:
“Every day during the advance in Russia, Murat was engaged in single combat... and never returned without his sabre dripping with the blood of those he had slain.”
‘Ura! Ura, Murat!’
Perhaps one of the most dramatic moments of Murat’s career occurred at Borodino. Murat, in his typically splendid attire, was easily recognised by the Cossacks, who called out to him in appreciation of his boldness: ‘Ura, Murat!’
This attention soon turned into a problem as the Cossacks swiftly surrounded Murat, intent on capturing their target. To evade them, Murat desperately leapt into a trench, where he grabbed a sword to fend off his attackers in one hand, while waving his iconic white-plumed hat with the other, whilst calling for help.
The French cavalry, quickly recognising their marshal’s perilous position, immediately charged the Cossacks to rescue their grateful and seemingly charmed commander.
Joachim Murat’s bravery earned him a legendary place in Napoleonic history. From the sands of Egypt to the snows of Russia, he faced death with flair and survived to fight another day—showcasing two of Napoleon’s favourite traits in a general: intrepidity and luck.