LANNES, Jean, Duke of Montebello and Marshal of France

One of Wellington's Opponents in the Peninsular War

Lannes

LANNES, Jean, Duke of Montebello and Marshal of France, born at Lectoure, France, April 11, 1769; died in Vienna, Austria, May 31, 1809. He was the son of a liveryman and studied the art of dyeing. In 1792 he enlisted for service in the army sent on a campaign into Spain and Italy, and by 1796 attained the rank of brigadier general. In 1798 he accompanied Napoleon on his expedition to Egypt, and in 1800 gained the Battle of Montebello, Italy. His services on the field of Marengo were also distinguished, and he had chief command at Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, and Friedland, and in 1808 defeated the Spaniards at Tudela and Saragossa. At the Battle of Aspern, in the Danube campaign, fought May 22, 1809, he lost both legs by a cannon ball, from the effects of which he died.



Great Military Commanders of the Napoleonic Wars