Jean Danjou, French captain (d. 1863)

Captain Jean Danjou, born on April 15, 1828, and tragically killed on April 30, 1863, was an exceptionally decorated officer of the French Army's esteemed Foreign Legion. His name is etched into the annals of military history, primarily for his command during the legendary Battle of Camarón, a pivotal event that showcases the unwavering spirit and commitment of the Legion.

Danjou's military career, prior to his ultimate sacrifice in Mexico, was marked by dedication and bravery. He served in various campaigns, earning accolades that underscored his leadership qualities and combat prowess. However, it was his final command, a seemingly insignificant escort mission during the complex and often brutal French intervention in Mexico (1861-1867), that cemented his legacy.

The Battle of Camarón: A Legend Forged in Sacrifice

The French intervention in Mexico was a period of intense conflict, where European powers sought to exert influence and collect debts. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, on April 30, 1863, Captain Danjou found himself at the helm of a small company tasked with escorting a convoy. His detachment comprised just two lieutenants and 62 legionnaires – a mere 65 men in total. This small force unexpectedly encountered a vastly superior Mexican contingent, estimated to be around 3,000 soldiers, including both infantry and cavalry, near the Hacienda Camarón de Tejeda.

Despite being outnumbered by such an overwhelming margin, Danjou and his men, embodying the Legion's ethos of fighting to the last, chose to defend their position. They barricaded themselves within the hacienda, a choice that transformed a routine escort duty into one of the most heroic last stands in military history. The battle was a brutal and prolonged affair, characterized by relentless attacks and desperate defense. Danjou himself, a seasoned warrior, had previously lost a hand in Algeria and fought with a prosthetic wooden one. It was during this fierce engagement, while rallying his beleaguered troops, that Captain Danjou was struck by a bullet to the chest and killed.

Even after Danjou's fall, his men, inspired by his courage and their pledge to fight until ammunition ran out, continued the defense under the command of Lieutenant Vilain, and subsequently, Lieutenant Maudet. The battle concluded only when the last few surviving legionnaires, out of ammunition and severely wounded, launched a final bayonet charge, refusing to surrender until they were overwhelmed. The Mexican commander, deeply impressed by their valor, allowed the surviving legionnaires to keep their weapons and return to their lines, a testament to the respect earned through their extraordinary bravery.

Jean Danjou's Enduring Legacy

The Battle of Camarón, despite being a tactical defeat for the small French detachment, became a profound moral victory and a defining moment for the French Foreign Legion. It symbolized an unyielding commitment to duty and an unparalleled spirit of self-sacrifice. Captain Jean Danjou is not merely remembered as a decorated officer, but as an icon of the Legion's values. His prosthetic wooden hand, recovered by the Legion, is a sacred relic. It is paraded annually on April 30th during "Camerone Day," the Legion's most significant commemorative event, held at their headquarters in Aubagne, France. This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of Danjou's heroism and the enduring legacy of the legionnaires who fought at Camarón, inspiring generations of soldiers within the ranks of the Foreign Legion and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the significance of the Battle of Camarón?

The Battle of Camarón, fought on April 30, 1863, is one of the most iconic and legendary battles in the history of the French Foreign Legion. It epitomizes the Legion's spirit of sacrifice, unwavering loyalty, and fighting to the last man against overwhelming odds. It is celebrated annually as "Camerone Day," the Legion's most important holiday.

Who was Captain Jean Danjou?

Captain Jean Danjou was a decorated officer of the French Foreign Legion who commanded a company of 65 legionnaires during the Battle of Camarón in Mexico. He led his men in a heroic last stand against approximately 3,000 Mexican soldiers, ultimately sacrificing his life during the engagement. He is revered as a symbol of courage and duty within the Legion.

What is special about Captain Danjou's wooden hand?

Captain Danjou had a prosthetic wooden hand, having lost his original hand in a previous campaign. This wooden hand was lost during the Battle of Camarón but later recovered. It is now a cherished relic of the French Foreign Legion, brought out for display during the annual Camerone Day ceremony as a powerful symbol of his sacrifice and the Legion's tradition.

What was the French intervention in Mexico?

The French intervention in Mexico (1861-1867) was an invasion of Mexico by the Second French Empire, supported by various European allies, initially to enforce debt collection but ultimately aiming to establish a monarchy under Emperor Maximilian I. It led to several significant military conflicts, including the Battle of Camarón.

How is Captain Danjou remembered today?

Captain Danjou is remembered as a central figure in the lore of the French Foreign Legion. His name is called out during the Camerone Day ceremony, and his wooden hand is paraded. He represents the ultimate embodiment of the Legion's values: honor, loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. His story is taught to all new recruits, serving as an enduring inspiration.