Jean Danjou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Danjou
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| Born | 15 April 1828 Chalabre, France |
| Died | 30 April 1863 (aged 35) Camarón de Tejeda, Mexico |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Years of service | 1849–1863 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands held | Légion Étrangère |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War
Franco-Austrian War
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| Awards | Chevalier of the Legion of Honor |
Jean Danjou (born April 15, 1828 – died April 30, 1863) was a brave captain in the French Foreign Legion. He is famous for leading a small group of 64 soldiers during the Battle of Camarón in Mexico. Captain Danjou was killed in this battle, but his actions became a legend.
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Early Life and Training
Jean Danjou was born in a town called Chalabre in France. When he was 20 years old, he joined a very important French military school. This school was called the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr. After he finished his training, he became a soldier in the French Army.
Military Adventures
In 1852, Jean Danjou joined the French Foreign Legion. This is a special part of the French Army. He was sent to Algeria to help with French efforts there.
A year later, in 1853, something important happened. While he was mapping an area, his gun exploded. He lost one of his hands in the accident. But Captain Danjou was very clever! He designed a special wooden hand for himself. He used this wooden hand for the rest of his life.
Later, Danjou fought in the Crimean War. He was part of the Siege of Sevastopol. He also fought in other big battles, like the Battle of Magenta and the Battle of Solferino.
In 1862, Captain Danjou went to Mexico with the French army. His job was to make sure that important supplies and equipment reached the French soldiers safely.
The Battle of Camarón
On April 29, 1863, Captain Danjou learned that a very important convoy was coming. It carried money, supplies, and weapons. He decided to send a company of soldiers to protect it.
The 3rd company of the Foreign Legion was chosen. But they didn't have any officers available. So, Captain Danjou decided to lead them himself. Two other officers, Lieutenant Jean Vilain and Lieutenant Clément Maudet, also volunteered to go.
A Small Group Against Many
On April 30, at 1 a.m., Captain Danjou and his 62 men (plus the two other officers) started their march. After walking for about 15 kilometers, they stopped to rest. Suddenly, they saw a huge Mexican army. There were about 3,000 Mexican soldiers!
Captain Danjou quickly formed his men into a square shape. Even though they were outnumbered, they fought back. They pushed away several attacks from the Mexican cavalry.
A Brave Stand
Captain Danjou decided to move his men to a safer place. They found an old inn called Hacienda Camarón. It had a strong, 10-foot-high wall around it. His plan was to keep the Mexican army busy. This would stop them from attacking the important supply convoy.
The Mexican commander, Colonel Milan, asked Danjou and his men to surrender. He pointed out that his army was much bigger. But Captain Danjou refused! He went to each of his men with a bottle of wine. He made them all promise not to give up.
At noon, Captain Danjou was shot in the chest and died. But his soldiers kept fighting. They fought for hours, even though it was very hot. They had no food or water.
The Last Stand
By 6 p.m., only five Legionnaires were left. They had almost no bullets. Instead of surrendering, they decided to charge the Mexican soldiers with their bayonets.
When they charged, the Mexican commander ordered his troops to stop firing. He was so impressed by their courage! He let the surviving men go free. He even allowed them to guard Captain Danjou's body. This amazing story became a legend in French military history.
Captain Danjou was buried in Camarón on May 3, 1863.
Remembering the Hero
Today, Captain Danjou is still remembered. There is a special marble plaque on his childhood home in France. Every year, soldiers from the French Foreign Legion visit his home. They lay a wreath to honor him. Other ceremonies also happen where the Legion's headquarters are located.
After the battle, Captain Danjou's wooden hand was found by a Mexican man. Later, it was returned to the Legion.
The Famous Wooden Hand
Captain Danjou's wooden hand is now kept in the Legion Museum in France. It is the most important item in the Legion's history. It is a great honor for a Legionnaire to carry the hand during parades.
April 30 is known as "Camerone Day." It is a very important day for the Legionnaires. On this day, Captain Danjou's wooden hand is brought out for everyone to see. It reminds them of the bravery and courage shown at the Battle of Camarón.
