Chef de corps: colonel Gustave Emile DEVAUX+++
Born 25th October 1856 at Chaulnes in the Somme
Father was Antoine Devaux a Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur
Class of 1876
Plewna Class of 1876-1878 at Saint Cyr
Matricule: 480
A professional career soldier
Promoted to Caporal and to Sergent in 1877
With the 43e regiment he is promoted to Sous Lieutenant in 1873 and Lieutenant in 1883. From 1883 to 1887 he is stationed with the 127e regiment.
Devaux marries Marie Antoinette Jeanne Caron in 1890 in October in Dunkerque and had 4 daughters Therese, Marthe, Jeanne and Cecile
Promoted to Capitaine in 1890 with the 43e regiment
In 1901 he re-joins the 1e regiment as head of battalion
In 1914 was second in command of the 115e RI at Mamers. During mobilisation in August 1914 he took command of the 315e RI as Chef de Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel
Promoted to Colonel on 5/5/1915
Croix de Guerre 2 almes, 1 etoile de vermeil
Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur
“Army citation of the 26th May 1915, commander since the start of the campaign who has led his regiment with much energy. Distinguished himself in all combats, but in particular ones of the 8th to 9th September and 22nd to the 29th September and finally the 31st October with taking of an enemy location”
On 25th October 1915 on his birthday, Devaux was at his command poste at MF2 near the fort de Belleville. On orders received at 17h00 the 315e RI were ordered back to Verdun when he was killed by an exploding shell near the fort de Belleville. Died at exactly 60 years old
Died 25th October 1916 near Fort de Belleville
The explosion on the 25th October also wounded Lieutenant Eugene Marie Durand the Chef du service telephonique, who died from his wounds on 26th.
Colonel Devaux was one of approximately 32 Colonel or Commandant that lost their lives during the Battle of Verdun.
Gustave Emile Devaux is buried Tombe 86 in Vadelaincourt cemetary to the south of Verdun
