Jean François Leval facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean François Leval
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|---|---|
| Born | 18 April 1762 Paris, France |
| Died | 7 August 1834 (aged 72) |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Service/ |
Infantry |
| Rank | General of Division |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Pensacola (1781) Battle of Fleurus (1794) Battle of Ostrach (1799) Battle of Stockach (1799) Battle of Jena (1806) Battle of Lubeck (1806) Battle of Eylau (1807) Battle of Zornoza (1808) Battle of Medellín (1809) Battle of Talavera (1809) Battle of Ocaña (1809) Battle of Barrosa (1811) Siege of Tarifa (1812) Battle of Vitoria (1813) Battle of the Nive (1813) |
| Awards | Légion d'Honneur, 1808 |
| Other work | Baron of the Empire, 1809 |
Jean François Leval (born April 18, 1762, died August 7, 1834) was a brave French general. He fought in many important battles during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.
Contents
Becoming a General
Leval quickly became a higher-ranking officer during the French Revolution. By 1793, he was in charge of a 'demi-brigade,' which was a group of soldiers. Later that same year, he became a 'general of brigade.' This meant he was a leader of several regiments.
Early Battles
In 1794, Leval led his brigade in the Battle of Fleurus. This was a big victory for France. He continued to serve in important campaigns in the years that followed. By 1799, he was promoted again to 'general of division.' This made him a very important commander, leading many brigades.
Fighting for Napoleon
Jean François Leval commanded a division in Napoleon Bonaparte's famous army, called the Grand Army. He fought in some of the most well-known battles of the Napoleonic Wars.
Major European Battles
- Battle of Jena (1806): Leval's division played a part in this huge victory for Napoleon in Germany.
- Battle of Eylau (1807): This was a very tough and bloody battle in the snow. Leval and his soldiers showed great courage.
Campaigns in Spain
After fighting in central Europe, Leval was sent to Spain. The fighting there was very difficult. He took part in many important battles:
- Battle of Talavera (1809): A major battle against British and Spanish forces.
- Battle of Ocaña (1809): A big French victory in Spain.
- Battle of Barrosa (1811): Another tough fight in southern Spain.
- Siege of Tarifa (1812): Leval was in charge of this siege, but it was not successful. This was the only time he led an entire army.
Final Battles
Leval continued to fight bravely. He was involved in the Battle of Vitoria and the Battle of the Nive in 1813. In 1814, he led his division in eastern France during the final parts of the war.
Legacy
Jean François Leval was recognized for his service. He was given the Legion of Honour, a very important French award. In 1809, he was made a 'Baron of the Empire.' His name is also carved into the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, on Column 7. This honors him as one of France's great military leaders.
