Gaston Seigner

Gaston Seigner followed in his father’s footsteps, a captain of the mounted infantry, and of several generations of military men. From 1888-96, he attended the Prytanée Militaire (military secondary school). He began his military career in 1902 as an instructor at the riding school in Saumur. Seigner successively became second lieutenant and then lieutenant in two cuirassier regiments and captain in the 4th Dragoon Regiment, which was stationed in Tours. In World War I, he was killed in action by shrapnel in West Flanders. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre.

In 1905, Seigner had married Gabrielle Marie Zélie Ernestine Chauveau; the couple had three daughters and two sons. One of the girls died in infancy. At the 1912 Olympics, Seigner competed in all three equestrian sports. In show jumping, he won silver in team event with his horse Cocotte. With another horse, Dignité, he placed 10th in dressage and in eventing 14th individually and fourth with the team.