Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)

Maybe some of you older Grognards and/or Marechal's of La Grande Armee can help me to understand something. Of course, anyone's opinion is very much welcomed and would be appreciated. I'm looking to find out, based on replies I get, which General (Marechal ?) during the Campaign(s) of 1809 from the La Grande Armee, was the most influential on the battlefield and why he was the best, in your opinion? This would include all the battles around Eckmuhl and the battles around Aspern-Essling. Is there one definitive General for the French who stands out and helped them seal victory?? or are there a few who stand out in your mind as "Battle-changers" ? Was this Generals influence on the battlefield suggestive of how the French fought at that time?
I am also looking for some reads that you would recommend about the French army(s) during these campaigns. Does Osprey have anything decent out about 1809? Your thoughts? I was also curious if anyone here plays Fields of Glory: Napoleonic Wars (FOGN) table-top war-gaming? Or is this something from the past? Have we all gone to PC gaming only? I'm looking to get into it and want to build my first army. It does look daunting, though, I must say, LOL!
Thanks!!!

Without doubt the campaign of 1809 was Davout's great time. Lannes was also his usual superb self until mortally wounded at Aspern Essling. His loss in my opinion was a mortal blow for the empire. He was amongst Napoleon's greatest leaders and one of his few personal friends.

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Marechal Knox

Prince d'Austerlitz et Comte d'Argentan
Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur

"What is history but a fable agreed upon"

Greetings officers,

I would mention GD St. Hilaire, who with his superior Marechal Davout, led the divisions of III Corps in their fighting withdrawal from Ratisbon across the face of the Austrian advance. Indeed, Napoleon promised the general his Marechal's baton for his deeds of gallantry, but, the award was not to be made, for at Aspern-Essling, the brave commander was struck down and slain.

I imagine that Marechal Lefebvre should receive notice for his conduct of a fighting retreat as well, which can have been no small achievement, as it also was made in front of the advancing Austrian army. Had the Bavarian troops been routed, Davout and his Corps may well have met a different fate during their withdrawal.

Regards,