The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Fay, Charles Alexandre

FAY, fā, Charles Alexandre, French military officer: b. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 1827. He received his education at the military school of Saint-Cyr and at the General Staff school. He first saw active service in Africa and in the Crimean War served as aide-de-camp to General Bosquet, winning distinction at the battles of Alma and Inkerman. In 1870 he was a member of Bazaine's staff and was made prisoner at Metz. He was appointed brigadier-general in 1874 and charged with reorganizing the bureau of the general staff. In 1890 he was given command of an army corps and retired in 1892. His published works include ‘Souvenirs de la guerre de Crimée’ (1867); ‘Etude sur la guerre d'Allemagne en 1866’ (1867); ‘De la loi militaire’ (1870); ‘Journal d'un officier de l'armée du Rhin’ (1871; 5th ed., 1890); ‘Etudes de marches: Jéna, Sedan’ (1899).