General Jean-Dominique Compans

Jean-Dominique Compans began his military career like many French soldiers of the time, by volunteering during the Revolution. After being elected captain of the 3rd Battalion of Volunteers of Haute-Garonne in October of 1791, the next year he served with the Army of the Alps and then in 1793 with the Army of Italy. During this time he helped defend the camp of Braous, took part in the attack of Lantosca, and served during the siege of Toulon. The next year Compans had joined the staff of General Dugommier and served in the Army of the Eastern Pyrenees. In this time he fought at Boulou, Junquera, and Montagne Noire. In June of 1795 he was promoted to chef de brigade, and then a few months later given an administrative position in the 9th Military Division.

In August of 1798, Compans became chief of staff to General Grenier in the Army of Italy. The next year he distinguished himself in multiple combats, including the fighting at Vaprio, Pacetto, and San Giuliano. For his accomplishments, he was promoted to general de brigade, and then in September he took command of Grenier's division when Grenier took command of the entire wing of the army. With his new command, Compans seized Fossano and Savigliano before being placed in charge of the advance guard. With the advance guard in November, he fought at Morozzo, the bridge of Borghetto, San Dalmazzo, de Robillante, and Verante.

April of 1800 saw General Compans serving under Suchet in Pouget's division. After failing in the attack of Mont Settépani, another attack two days later successfully seized it. On the 20th, he was wounded by a shot. That December, Compans was serving in Loison's division, and fought at Volta, Monzembano, Villafrance, Montebello, and Spaziano. Over the next few years Compans was employed in the 27th Military Division before doing staff work at the Camp of Saint-Omer.

In August of 1805, Compans was named chief of staff to Lannes' V Corps, with which he fought at Austerlitz where he was wounded. A few weeks later he took command of Thiébault's brigade in IV Corps, but before the Prussian campaign was underway he was made chief of staff to Soult's IV Corps. Fighting at Jena, a month later he was promoted to general de division.

Made a Count of the Empire in 1808, Compans then became the chief of staff to Marshal Davout's Army of Germany. During the Danube campaign the following year, he took part and distinguished himself at Tengen and also fought at Schierling. While Davout was absent from February of 1810 to February of 1811, Compans became interim commander of the Army of Germany.

For the Russian campaign of 1812, Compans commanded the 5th Division of Davout's I Corps. He fought at Mohilew and Smolensk before being wounded by a shot to the shoulder at Borodino. While serving on the retreat, he fought at Maloyaroslavetz and Wiazma. During the campaigns of 1813 in Germany, he commanded the 20th Infantry Division of Marmont's VI Corps, fighting at Lützen, Bautzen, and Leipzig. Continuing to serve in the defense of France, in March of 1814 he fought at Sézanne, was defeated at Chailly, defended Meaux, and won a victory at Montsaigle before taking part in the defense of Paris.

After Napoleon's abdication, the Bourbons rewarded Compans with a Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. Nevertheless, upon Napoleon's return he rallied to Napoleon and was named commander of the 6th Infantry Division of II Corps of the Army of the North. Compans however refused the command and was allowed to retire. After Napoleon's second abdication, his retirement was reversed, but the Bourbons temporarily put him on non-activity. Made a peer of France, he voted for death at the trial of Marshal Ney.

Sources:

Haythornthwaite, Philip J. Who Was Who in the Napoleonic Wars. London: Arms & Armour, 1998.

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

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