In 1806 an enthusiastic young Frenchman Maurice de Tascher embarked on a career as a soldier in Napoleon's Grand Armee. He was inspired by the emperor's triumphs and determined to win glory and serve his country. In 1813, disillusioned by war and doubtful about the honour of the French cause, de Tascher died in Berlin, a victim of Napoleon's disastrous war against Russia. This is his story. Maurice de Tascher was born in Orleans in 1786 and joined 88th Hussars in 1806 He took part in many of Napoleon's major campaigns in Germany, Spain, Austria, Poland and Russia between 1806 and 1812. He came through the dreadful retreat of the Grand Armee from Moscow in 1812, but never recovered from the ordeal. He died in Berlin in January 1813 at the age of 27.