George de Villebois-Mareuil was born on 22 March 1847 in France.
He had a distinguished military career in France, being decorated for bravery in 1871. On his own request he was placed on military reserve in France aged 47.
He joined up with the Boers in 1899 and saw action in Natal, being at the battle of Colenso. He fought with distinction as General of the Boers International Legion before being killed in action at Tweefontein / Battle of Boshof on 5 April 1900.
