Jean de Lattre de Tassigny vs Robert Clive

De Lattre commanded the French First Army during the invasion of southern France. His forces liberated Toulon and Marseille, then advanced up the Rhone valley, contributing to the Allied push into Germany.

De Lattre's French First Army, with US support, eliminated the German-held Colmar Pocket in Alsace. The victory secured the Rhine flank and allowed the Allies to enter Germany.

De Lattre was appointed to lead French forces in the First Indochina War. He revitalized the French military effort, building the De Lattre Line defensive system and winning the Battle of Vinh Yen.

De Lattre defeated a major Viet Minh offensive at Vinh Yen, using air power and artillery to inflict heavy casualties. The victory temporarily stabilized the French position in Tonkin.

De Lattre died of cancer in Paris, after returning from Indochina for treatment. He was posthumously made a Marshal of France.

Clive led a small force of 500 men to capture and then defend Arcot against a 10,000-strong Franco-Indian army during the Second Carnatic War. The 53-day siege ended with a British victory, significantly boosting Clive's reputation and British influence in southern India.

Robert Clive led the British East India Company's forces to victory against the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, at Plassey on June 23, 1757. The victory was secured through the defection of Mir Jafar, who was installed as Nawab. This battle established British military dominance in Bengal and laid the foundation for British rule in India.

Clive was appointed Governor of Bengal for a second term in 1764, tasked with stabilizing the region after the Battle of Buxar. He implemented administrative reforms, including the dual system of government, and secured the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, granting the East India Company the diwani (revenue rights) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Clive faced a parliamentary inquiry in 1773 into his conduct in India, particularly regarding his personal wealth and the famine in Bengal. Although he was cleared of corruption charges, the stress and criticism contributed to his declining mental health. He died by suicide on November 22, 1774.