Jean Danjou, French captain (b. 1828)

Captain Jean Danjou, born on April 15, 1828, and tragically killed on April 30, 1863, stands as an iconic figure within the French Foreign Legion, a testament to unwavering duty and exceptional bravery. A decorated officer in the French Army, his name is inextricably linked with one of the Legion's most legendary engagements: the Battle of Camarón, a desperate stand during the French intervention in Mexico.

The Illustrious Career of Captain Danjou

Born in Chalabre, France, Jean Danjou embarked on a distinguished military career that saw him serve with dedication and courage. His path eventually led him to the ranks of the French Foreign Legion, an elite corps renowned for its unique esprit de corps and demanding service. Danjou quickly rose through the ranks, earning commendations and the profound respect of his peers and subordinates alike. His commitment to his men and his profession exemplified the very ideals the Legion sought to uphold, making him a natural and inspiring leader.

The Battle of Camarón: A Legend Forged in Mexico

The year 1863 found France deeply involved in the Second French Intervention in Mexico, a complex and ambitious conflict aimed at establishing a pro-French empire under Maximilian I. French forces were stretched across vast territories, maintaining vital supply lines and securing strategic routes. It was during this period that Captain Jean Danjou was tasked with a critical mission: to secure a convoy transporting a significant sum of money and essential siege materials for the French forces besieging Puebla. On April 30, 1863, Danjou, commanding a small but resolute company consisting of two lieutenants and 62 legionnaires, was ambushed near the Hacienda Camarón de Tejeda by a much larger force of Mexican infantry and cavalry, estimated to be around 3,000 men.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Danjou and his men refused to surrender. They swiftly took refuge in a dilapidated hacienda, fortified by a stone wall, and prepared to fight to the very last. The battle quickly devolved into a brutal and heroic siege. Early in the engagement, Captain Danjou, leading by example and rallying his troops, was struck by a bullet and killed. Even after his death, his men, inspired by his bravery and bound by an oath to fight to the end, continued the fierce resistance under the command of Lieutenant Vilain, and subsequently Lieutenant Maudet. The legionnaires fought with extraordinary courage, repelling wave after wave of attacks, until only a handful remained, severely wounded and utterly out of ammunition. Their final act of defiance before being overwhelmed secured their place in military history as an enduring symbol of the Foreign Legion's unwavering spirit.

A Lasting Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice

The Battle of Camarón, though a tactical defeat for the small Legion detachment, became a powerful and enduring symbol of the French Foreign Legion's fighting spirit and unwavering commitment to duty. Captain Danjou's leadership and the profound sacrifice of his men are commemorated annually on April 30th, a date universally known as "Camerone Day," which stands as the most important and sacred day in the Foreign Legion's calendar. His wooden prosthetic hand, famously lost during the battle, was painstakingly recovered and is now a revered artifact, brought out for display during this solemn ceremony. It serves as a tangible and potent reminder of the courage and ultimate sacrifice of Captain Jean Danjou and the brave men who fought alongside him, embodying the Legion's timeless motto: "Legio Patria Nostra" - The Legion is Our Homeland.

Frequently Asked Questions about Captain Jean Danjou and the Battle of Camarón

Who was Captain Jean Danjou?
Captain Jean Danjou was a decorated officer of the French Foreign Legion, born in 1828, best known for his courageous command during the legendary Battle of Camarón in Mexico, where he was killed in action in 1863.
What was the Battle of Camarón?
The Battle of Camarón was a pivotal and symbolic engagement on April 30, 1863, during the French intervention in Mexico. A company of 65 French Foreign Legionnaires, led by Captain Danjou, made a heroic last stand against a Mexican force estimated to be thousands strong, fighting to the death rather than surrendering, becoming a cornerstone of Legion lore.
Why is Captain Danjou significant to the French Foreign Legion?
Captain Danjou embodies the core ethos of the French Foreign Legion. His leadership and the unwavering courage of his men at Camarón became a foundational legend, representing duty, sacrifice, and fighting to the very end. The anniversary of his death is celebrated as Camerone Day, the Legion's most important commemorative occasion.
What happened to Captain Danjou during the battle?
Early in the Battle of Camarón, Captain Jean Danjou was mortally wounded by a Mexican bullet while gallantly leading his men in defense of the hacienda. Despite his death, his company, inspired by his bravery, continued to fight fiercely for many hours.
What is the significance of Captain Danjou's wooden hand?
Captain Danjou had a wooden prosthetic hand, having lost his left hand in an earlier campaign. This prosthetic hand was recovered after the Battle of Camarón and is now a cherished relic of the French Foreign Legion. It is paraded annually on Camerone Day as a powerful symbol of his sacrifice and the Legion's enduring traditions of honor and duty.