Jean Lannes

Jean Lannes was born in 1769 in Lectoure, France. He began his military career as a non-commissioned officer in the early years of the French Revolutionary Wars. Rising quickly through the ranks, he commanded a battalion at the siege of Toulon in 1793. In 1795 and 1796, he participated in the campaigns in the Eastern Pyrenees against Spain. He distinguished himself under André Masséna during the Italian campaigns of 1796–1797, including at the battles of Montenotte, Dego, Mondovì, Lodi, Bassano, Arcole, and Rivoli. During the crossing of the Tagliamento and at the Battle of Tarvisio in March 1797, Lannes led advance forces.

In 1798, he accompanied Bonaparte to Egypt, leading a brigade in the capture of Malta before landing in Egypt. At the Battle of the Pyramids he commanded a division, and during the advance into Syria he was wounded at the siege of Acre. Lannes fought at the Battle of Abukir in 1799 and subsequently returned to France with Bonaparte.

In the 1799–1800 campaigns in Italy, Lannes commanded the advance guard of the Army of the Reserve, crossing the Alps at the Great St Bernard Pass, and played a decisive role in the victories at Chivasso and Montebello. He commanded a corps at the Battle of Marengo in June 1800, helping to repel the main Austrian assault and contribute to the eventual French victory.

Following the establishment of the Empire, Lannes was named marshal in 1804. He participated with distinction in the Ulm campaign of 1805, commanding a corps which contributed to the capture of the Austrian army at Ulm and the subsequent occupation of Vienna. At the Battle of Austerlitz on 2 December 1805, Lannes commanded the French left, engaging Russian and Austrian forces around the Santon and Telnitz.

In 1806, during the War of the Fourth Coalition, Lannes commanded V Corps. He fought at the battles of Saalfeld, Jena, and Pultusk. At Saalfeld on 10 October 1806, Lannes’s forces routed the Prussian-Saxon Army, and at Jena on 14 October he attacked the Prussian center, contributing significantly to the French victory. During the French advance into Poland, he fought at Czarnowo and Pultusk at the end of December 1806.

During the 1807 Eylau campaign, Lannes was present at the Battle of Eylau, holding the French left under severe conditions, and subsequently covered operations before Friedland. Although at Friedland he was lightly engaged, his corps otherwise performed vital tasks covering the main French advance.

After the Treaty of Tilsit, Lannes was sent as ambassador to Portugal for several months, then recalled to command operations in Spain. Arriving in late 1808, he directed French forces at the siege and second assault of Saragossa in winter 1808–1809, overseeing major assaults and final capitulation of the city. In March 1809, he returned to the main army in Germany. In April 1809, during the War of the Fifth Coalition, he was given command of the provisional II Corps. He was engaged at the battles of Abensberg and Landshut, then played a prominent role in the Battle of Eckmühl on 21–22 April, where he led charges that broke the Austrian right. Following the pursuit to Vienna, he led his troops across the Danube. At the Battle of Aspern-Essling on 21–22 May 1809, Lannes commanded the French center. On the second day he was mortally wounded by a cannonball while reconnoitering, and died of his wounds on 31 May 1809.

Lannes was ennobled as Duke of Montebello. He received several honors, including the Grand Aigle of the Legion of Honour and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Iron Crown. His military career was marked by rapid promotion and participation in almost every major campaign and engagement of Revolutionary and Imperial France until his death.

Sources

• Wikipedia (English): Jean Lannes
• Wikipedia (French): Jean Lannes
• BnF Data: Jean Lannes (1769-1809)
• Napoléon.org: Jean Lannes, duc de Montebello