Marshal of France
The title of Marshal of France (Maréchal de France) was derived from the office of marescallus Franciae created by Philippe Auguste for Albéric Clément (circa 1190). It later became a distinction and takes precedence above the constable, which was originally an office above the marshal. Up to 1791, there were 256 Marshals of France. This title was abolished by the National Convention in 1793.
During the First French Empire, there were Empire marshals. Under the Bourbon Restoration, Empire marshals were changed back to Marshals of France and Napoléon III kept the name unchanged.
In France, Marshal is a military distinction, not a military rank. Its symbol, the marshal baton, is a blue cylinder with stars (formerly fleur-de-lis).
Philippe Pétain, awarded the distinction of Marshal of France for his generalship in the First World War, retained his title even after his trial and imprisonment and being stripped of other positions and titles.
The last Marshal of France was Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. His widow kept his title and privileges until her death in 2003.
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Some Marshals of France
First Empire
Restauration
Second Empire
World War I
World War II