Joseph O'Donnell (younger) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joseph O'Donnell the younger
José O’Donnell Anethan around 1819
Born	28 August 1768 Guadalajara, Spain
Died	17 May 1836 Madrid
Allegiance	Kingdom of Spain
Service/branch	Infantry
Rank	Captain General
Battles/wars	La Romana's Escape (1808) Battle of Zújar (1811) Battle of Castalla (1812)
Awards	Order of San Fernando

Joseph O'Donnell or José O'Donnell (1768–1836) was an important general from Spain. He had Irish roots. He led Spanish troops against the French Empire during a big war called the Peninsular War. This war happened in Spain and Portugal.

Joseph O'Donnell's Early Life and Family

Joseph O'Donnell was born in 1768. His father was also named Joseph O'Donnell. Joseph had two brothers, Henry and Charles. Both of his brothers also became generals, just like him. Henry O'Donnell was especially famous.

Joseph O'Donnell's Military Career

In 1808, Joseph O'Donnell was an officer helping Pedro Caro, 3rd Marquis of la Romana. They were part of a group of Spanish soldiers called the Northern Division. These soldiers had to escape from Denmark during the war.

Later, in 1811, Joseph O'Donnell's troops were defeated by a French general named Nicolas Godinot at the Battle of Zújar.

After the Spanish city of Valencia was lost in January 1812, Joseph O'Donnell worked hard. He helped to put the Spanish army back together. He was very good at organizing the soldiers who were left.

While he was the main commander, called Captain General, in the region of Murcia, he faced another tough battle. In July 1812, his forces suffered a big defeat at the Castalla. This loss was to a French general named Jean Isidore Harispe. Because of this defeat, Joseph O'Donnell was replaced as commander soon after. He passed away in 1836.

See Also

In Spanish: José O'Donnell para niños