Louis André Bon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis André Bon
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General of Division Louis André Bon
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| Born | 25 October 1758 Romans-sur-Isère in Dauphiné |
| Died | 19 May 1799 (aged 40) Saint-Jean-d'Acre |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of France / French Republic / French Directory |
| Service/ |
infantry |
| Rank | général de division |
| Commands held | 8e division militaire |
| Battles/wars | American War of Independence Italy, Egypt |
Louis André Bon (born October 25, 1758, in Romans-sur-Isère, Dauphiné – died May 19, 1799, in Acre) was a French general. He was an important figure during the French Revolutionary Wars. He is most remembered for his part in the 1798 French invasion of Egypt.
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Early Military Career
Louis André Bon joined the army when he was very young. He became part of the Royal-Infanterie regiment. He also fought in the American Revolutionary War, helping the Americans gain their independence.
In 1792, he led a group of national volunteers. He then joined General Dugommier near the border between France and Spain. Bon quickly became a leader and showed great bravery. He fought well during the siege of Bellegarde. Because of his courage, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
Fighting in Italy and Egypt
General Bon served under famous generals like Bonaparte and Augereau in the Army of Italy. He was known for his bravery. He was even wounded while bravely leading his soldiers across a bridge during the Battle of Arcole.
After a peace treaty was signed, he took charge of a military division in Marseille. He helped calm down serious problems and violence there. He did the same in Avignon.
The Egyptian Campaign
Bon was promoted to General of Division and then traveled to Egypt. He stood out during the battles there. He played a key role in capturing Cairo by attacking an important enemy position. He also helped lead the left side of the army during the Battle of the Pyramids.
He contributed to the unexpected success at Mont-Thabor. There, his forces attacked the enemy from the rear, while General Kléber attacked from the front. Bon also fought when the French took El-Arich. He helped lift the siege of Gaza and capture Jaffa.
Final Battle at Acre
General Bon was seriously wounded during the final attack on Saint-Jean-d'Acre. This happened on May 10, 1799. He was leading his grenadier soldiers at the very front of the attack. He died from his wounds on May 19, 1799.
His Family's Story
Many years later, Napoleon, who was then the emperor, visited a military school. He asked about one of the students he had just seen. It turned out to be General Bon's son.
Napoleon asked the boy, "Where is your mother?" The son replied, "In Paris, on a fourth floor, where she is dying of hunger." Hearing this, Napoleon immediately gave General Bon's widow money to live on. He also made her son a baron, which was a special title, and gave him money too.
Special Recognition
- General Louis André Bon is one of the 558 officers whose names are carved into the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
