France Anniversary Combat of Camerone, Mexico, April 30, 1863

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello readers.

Each year on April 30 the French Foreign Legion observes the anniversary of the combat at the farm of Camerone during which an understrength company of the French Foreign Legion did resist the repeated attacks of superior Mexican forces. This company was under the command of one handed Capitaine Danjou who fell after some hours of combat. The last five survivors of the company attempted a bayonet charge but the Mexican commander ordered that they be spared.

The artificial hand of Capitaine Danjou recovered from the site, is kept at the museum of the Legion at its headquarters. It is presented to the assembled troupes that day and is carried by a veteran , highly decorated who is escorted by two other former members. The account of the combat is read to the assembled troupes as it is at all locations where units of the Legion are deployed.

Of course this year's events will be special because that legendary combat took place 150 years ago.

It may also be of interest that this writer's best friend during two deployments in Vietnam , the retired Brigadier-Chef C. Kopanczyk, Legion d'Honneur and Medaille Militaire one year was one of the escorts. He tragically died during a forest fire near the Legion retirement facility in the south of France in August of 1989. The facility itself was also heavily damaged.

Bernhard H. Holst

former member 1951 - 1957

[TacHel]

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Francois.

Thank you for the pictures. On the lower picture between the pioneers one can clearly see the small casket that contains the artificial hand of Capitaine Danjou being carried by one veteran who is escorted by two others. To the far left the principal band of the Legion and I would venture to guess a delegation of the French Army Officers School St. Cyr.

The middle picture clearly puts it:
" Their life rather than their courage left these French soldiers."

This must be a picture of the plaque affixed to the French memorial at the site of the combat.

Bernhard H. Holst