NAPOLEON'S GENERAL STAFF SET 2

Jean Lannes was born in April 1769 (the same year as Napoleon) and died in May 1809. He was an officer of the French army, its general and marshal of the Empire during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). He is considered one of the bravest and most militarily talented Napoleonic marshals. Jean Lannes volunteered for the French army shortly after the outbreak of the war with Austria in 1792. In 1793-1794 he participated in the actions in the Pyrenees against Spain, where he had already demonstrated some leadership skills. In the years 1796-1797 he served in the Italian Army under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte, during which he obtained the rank of brigadier general. There are many indications that already then a sincere friendship was established between the future emperors: the emperor of the French and the marshal of France. Jean Lannes accompanied Napoleon on his campaign in Egypt and returned with him to France in 1799. He distinguished himself in 1800 in the Battles of Montebello and Marengo. In 1804, Jean Lannes received the rank of Marshal of France - he was then 35 years old! He distinguished himself by leading his corps to fight at Austerlitz and during the campaign against Prussia and Russia in 1806-1807. In 1809, he conquered Zaragoza, perhaps the most famous victory in his career. He later fought in the Battle of Asspern-Essling in 1809, after which he was shot dead. Despite attempts to save his life, Jean Lannes died in Vienna on May 31, 1809.