General Joseph Barbanègre


Barbanègre

Born: August 22, 1772

Place of Birth: Pontacq, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France

Legion of Honor: Commander

Imperial Nobility: Baron

Died: November 7, 1830

Cause of Death: Unknown

Place of Death: Paris, France

Arc de Triomphe: East



Barbanègre served much of his career under Marshal Davout. During the Hundred Days, General Barbanègre was placed in command of the defense of Huningue. After Napoleon's second abdication, the city began to be plundered, so Barbanègre ordered his 135 men to fire on the pillagers. Before long the Austrian army arrived, and Barbanègre informed his men that he had no intention of surrendering and followed through with that despite Austrian threats. As the situation escalated, by August 14, 1815 there were 25,000 Austrian soldiers laying siege to Barbanègre and his small force. Barbanègre finally surrendered on August 26th, but marched out of the city with full military honors, and was embraced by the Austrian commander Archduke John.

Sources:

Ryan, Edward. Napoleon's Shield and Guardian: The Unconquerable General Daumesnil. London: Greenhill Books, 2003.

Six, Georges. Dictionnaire Biographique des Generaux & Amiraux Francais de la Revolution et de l'Empire (1792-1814). Paris: Gaston Saffroy, 2003.

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