James O'Moran facts for kids

James, also known as Jacques O'Moran, was an Irish soldier who became a high-ranking general in the French army. He was born on May 1, 1735, in Elphin, County Roscommon, Ireland, and sadly passed away on March 6, 1794, in Paris, France.

Early Life and Military Start

James O'Moran was the son of a shoemaker. When he was young, he left Ireland and moved to France. He grew up in a place called Morin-la-Montagne, near Saint-Omer. When he was about 17 years old, on November 15, 1752, he joined the French army as a cadet. He was part of an Irish military group known as the Dillon Brigade.

Rising Through the Ranks

James O'Moran was a very dedicated soldier, and his skills were highly valued. He steadily moved up through the ranks in the French army. He served in Germany during military campaigns in 1760 and 1761. Over the years, he earned many promotions, becoming a captain in 1771, a major in 1779, and a colonel in 1791.

Fighting in America

O'Moran also played a part in the American Revolutionary War. He commanded soldiers in battle and was even wounded during the siege of Savannah in September 1779. After his service, he joined a special group called the Society of the Cincinnati, which was for officers who had served in the war. From 1779 to 1782, he was stationed in Grenada, and then in America in 1783.

The French Revolution and Command

When the French Revolution began, O'Moran continued to rise in the military. He was promoted to colonel in July 1791, then to maréchal de camp (a type of general) in February 1792, and finally to général de division, which is a very senior general's rank. He served under another general named Dumouriez in areas like Champagne and Belgium, where he helped capture the city of Tournai.

Later Commands and Challenges

In October 1792, O'Moran became a lieutenant général. In 1793, he was given command of the military camp at Cassel. Here, he was in charge of the armée du Nord (Army of the North), which was defending Flanders against British and Prussian forces.

When he arrived in April, O'Moran quickly inspected the important forts under his command, including Cassel, Bergues, Dunkirk, and Bailleul. He worked hard to make sure they were ready for defense. Later in 1793, he commanded the camp at Lille and then became the commander-in-chief of troops from Douai to Dunkirk.

Arrest and Execution

During a difficult time in the French Revolution known as the Reign of Terror, some people were suspected of not being loyal to the new government. In August 1793, James O'Moran was accused of not following orders and was arrested and put in prison. He was brought before a special court in Paris called the Revolutionary Tribunal. This court found him guilty of treason. James O'Moran was executed by guillotine on March 6, 1794, in a place then called Place du Trône renversé.