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Jean Dominique CompansOne of the commanders of the French Grand Army
Date of Birth: 26.06.1769
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Rise in the Ranks
- Service in the Napoleonic Wars
- Russian Campaign and Later Career
- Restoration and Final Years
Early Life and Military Career
Jean-Dominique Compans was born on November 26, 1769, in Blagnac, France. On October 2, 1791, he was promoted to captain in the 3rd Battalion of Volunteers of his native department, Haute-Garonne. In 1792, his unit was incorporated into the Army of the Alps, and in 1793, into the Army of Italy.
Rise in the Ranks
Compans's rapid rise through the ranks continued. He became adjutant-major of the battalion on November 20, 1793, and of the brigade on June 13, 1795. On August 25, 1798, he was appointed Chief of Staff to General Grenier in the Army of Italy. On June 23, 1799, he was promoted to brigadier general.
Service in the Napoleonic Wars
From 1801 to 1805, Compans held various staff positions and commanded a brigade in the Army of Italy. In 1805, he became Chief of Staff of the 5th Corps under Marshal Jean Lannes. He participated in the Battle of Austerlitz, where he was wounded.
In 1806, Compans was promoted to divisional general. He served as a staff officer and fought in the Battle of Jena. In 1808, he became Chief of Staff of Marshal Davout's Army of Germany.
Russian Campaign and Later Career
In 1811, Compans was appointed commander of the 5th Division of the Elbe Observational Corps, which formed part of the Grande Armée in the invasion of Russia. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Borodino and other battles.
After the Russian campaign, Compans commanded various divisions in Marshal Marmont's Corps. He fought in the battles of Lützen and Bautzen, and was wounded twice at Mockern. In the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig, he was wounded again.
Restoration and Final Years
In 1814, Compans was included in the Committee for the Defense of Paris. He commanded troops on Montmartre during the battle for the city. After the return of the Bourbons, he was appointed to the Military Council.
During Napoleon's return from Elba, Compans joined the emperor and was given command of the 6th Infantry Division in the Army of the North. He fought in the Battle of Waterloo and was taken prisoner.
After Napoleon's second abdication, Compans was pardoned by Louis XVIII and served on the military court that sentenced Marshal Ney to death. In 1815, he was made a peer. He retired from the army and died in Blagnac on November 10, 1845.
