Louis Georges Érasme de Contades, Marquis de Contades (19 October 1704 – 19 January 1795), Seigneur de Montgeoffroy, was a Marshal of France and a major battlefield commander during the Seven Years' War. He notably commanded the French forces at the 1759 Battle of Minden.
Early life
He was born on 19 October 1704 in Gizeux, in the Duchy of Anjou. He was the son of Gaspard de Contades (b. 1666) and his wife Jeanne-Marie Crespin de La Chabosselaye.[1]
Career
On 1734, he was created a Brigadier; in 1740 Maréchal de camp; and in 1745 Lieutenant Général. He took command of the French Army of Westphalia in 1758 during the Seven Years' War due to dissatisfaction with the previous commanders. He was unable to stem the French withdrawal across the Rhine, which had undone France's conquest of Hanover.[2]
On 24 August 1758, he was created Maréchal de France. On 1 August 1759, he led the French forces at the Battle of Minden, where they were routed. This largely halted France's offensive in Germany that year, and had wider strategic ramifications. He was subsequently relieved of his command.[3]
In 1762, Contades was appointed governor of Alsace. In 1788, Contades became governor of Lorraine.[4]
Personal life
In October 1724, he married Marie-Françoise Magon, daughter of François Magon, with issue:[4]
Georges Gaspard François Auguste Jean Baptiste de Contades (1726–1794), who succeeded his father as the Marquis de Contades.
Françoise-Gertrude de Contades (1727–1776), who married Jean Charles Pierre de La Haye de Plouer.[5]
