Death of Vendée commander La Rochejacquelein

One of the most popular and daring figures of the Vendée counter-revolt, affectionately nicknamed ‘M’sieur Henri’ by his men, Henri de La Rochejaquelein was a young commander-in-chief of the Catholic and Royal Army during the Vendée War. He is credited with this highly martial rallying cry: ‘If I advance, follow me! If I retreat, kill me! If I die, avenge me!’
He died in January 1794 at the age of 21 in Nuaillé (Maine-et-Loire) during a battle against Republican troops (the ‘Bleus’). As he approached an enemy soldier to take him prisoner and spare his life, the soldier turned his weapon on him and shot him straight in the forehead.