Jean-Baptiste Meynier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean-Baptiste Meynier
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 22 April 1749 |
| Died | 3 December 1813 (aged 64) |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Service/ |
Infantry |
| Rank | General of Division |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
| Awards | Légion d'Honneur, CC 1804 |
Jean-Baptiste Meynier was a French soldier born on April 22, 1749. He served in three major wars: the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the Napoleonic Wars. Between 1792 and 1793, he quickly rose from being a captain to a general of division. In 1796, he led a group of soldiers under Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon, however, didn't think he was a very talented military leader. In 1803, Meynier was put in charge of the Mainz fortress, where he died on December 3, 1813.
Contents
A Soldier's Journey
Meynier joined the French army in 1765. He later fought in the American Revolutionary War, helping America gain its independence. After returning to France in 1785, he started getting promoted. He became a second lieutenant in 1788, a lieutenant in 1791, and a captain in 1792.
Brave Stand at Königstein
While serving near the Rhine River, Meynier was given a tough job. He had to defend Königstein Fortress with only a few soldiers. On January 5, 1793, French forces in the area suffered a defeat. The Prussian army then told Meynier to give up the fortress.
But Meynier refused! He acted so bravely that the Prussians didn't dare to attack his small group. He held out for a long time, even when it was clear no help would arrive. He finally surrendered on March 9. Because of his amazing bravery, Meynier was quickly promoted from captain to a general of brigade.
Leading Divisions
After his brave stand, Meynier was put in charge of Landau on April 7, 1793. He continued to be promoted, becoming a general of brigade on May 20, 1793, and then a general of division on September 27 of that same year.
Meynier led the front lines of the Army of the Rhine at the First Battle of Wissembourg on October 13, 1793. He also led a division in the battle of Kaiserslautern from September 17 to 20, 1794.
Serving Under Napoleon
In April 1796, Meynier was commanding a division in Napoleon Bonaparte's Army of Italy. He led these troops during the Montenotte Campaign. However, on April 22, 1796, Napoleon decided to break up Meynier's division.
Later, in August 1796, Napoleon wrote about his generals. He thought Meynier, along with a few others, was "incapable" and "not fit to command a battalion" in such an active war.
Later Life and Death
Even with Napoleon's opinion, Meynier continued to serve France. In 1800, he was made commander of the 18th Military District. In 1803, he became the governor of the fortress of Mainz. He received a special award, the Commander's Cross of the Légion d'Honneur, in 1804.
Jean-Baptiste Meynier died at Mainz on December 3, 1813. His death happened while the city of Mainz was being blocked by enemy forces.
