Napoleon’s First Victory in Toulon 1793

Sometimes the failing of a man is another man's chance! In 1792, the French Revolution sparked a war in Europe, and Austria led the first coalition of monarchies wanting the stop the ideas of Liberty and Equality from spreading. By 1793, the city harbour of Toulon in the south of France had surrendered to the mighty British navy.

The Revolutionary government sent General Carteaux (with the mustache) on a mission to take Toulon back. A 24 year old second lieutenant of artillery knocked on his door to expose a plan but Carteaux refused to listen. When the time he was given to accomplish his mission expired, Carteaux was replaced with General Dugommier (last picture).

Arriving in Toulon on 19 November, Dugommier took the time to listen to the second lieutenant of artillery and agreed to implement his plan. It is a good thing he did: the plan worked and the young lieutenant was rewarded with a great promotion for his age: « Brigadier General ». It was the first time Napoleon distinguished himself on the battlefield, and far from being the last!