Jacques-Nicolas Gobert facts for kids
Jacques-Nicolas Gobert was a French general born on June 1, 1760. He was an important military leader during a time when France was often at war. General Gobert is known for his service and for being killed in action in Spain during the Peninsular War.
Jacques-Nicolas Gobert
Jacques-Nicolas Gobert was a brave French general. He served his country during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. These were major conflicts that shaped Europe. He was a trusted officer and rose through the ranks in the French army.
His Role in the Peninsular War
In 1808, General Gobert was fighting in Spain. This conflict was called the Peninsular War. It was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars. On July 2, 1808, Gobert left Madrid with a group of soldiers. His mission was to meet up with another general, General Dupont, in a city called Jaén.
Gobert's journey was not easy. His troops were attacked by Spanish fighters in the Sierra Morena mountains. Despite these attacks, he managed to defeat them. On July 15, he and General Lefranc passed through a mountain pass called Puerta del Rey. He left some soldiers there to guard the road.
Gobert then continued to Bailén with fewer troops. Many of his soldiers were needed to protect the mountain roads from the Spanish guerrillas. These guerrillas were small groups of fighters who used surprise attacks.
The Battle of Bailén
General Gobert played a part in the Battle of Bailén. This was a very important battle in the Peninsular War. During the fighting, Gobert joined another general, General Liger-Belair. They were on the road between Bailén and Mengíbar.
While he was encouraging his soldiers, General Gobert was hit in the head by a cannonball. He was badly wounded. He died later that night, between July 16 and 17, in a town called Guarromán.
General Gobert was a good friend of General Dupont. He had even worked for Dupont in Tuscany before. Gobert had asked for his group of soldiers to be moved to Dupont's command. This shows how much he trusted and respected Dupont.
