MenuGeneral Francesco Federico Campana
Born: February 5, 1771
Place of Birth: Turin, Italy
Died: February 16, 1807
Cause of Death: Killed in action
Place of Death: Ostrolenka, Poland
Arc de Triomphe: CAMPANA on the east pillar
Pronunciation:
An Italian soldier, Francesco Federico Campana's first military experience came in 1782 when he entered the artillery school of Turin. Twelve years later in 1794 he joined the French army and was naturally assigned to the Army of Italy. That year Campana was promoted to sous-lieutenant and then lieutenant and he served on Masséna's staff. In 1795 Campana was promoted to capitaine and he became an aide-de-camp to General Victor before seeing action at the Battle of Loano where he was wounded.
Captain Campana took part in the Italian campaign of 1796 under General Bonaparte, and in late May of 1796 he was assigned to the 18th of the Line. After serving throughout that campaign until its conclusion, in 1798 he became an aide-de-camp to Masséna and then General Brune. In 1799 Campana was promoted to chef de bataillon by General Joubert and stationed in Piedmont before being attached to Joubert's staff in Italy. The next year Campana rejoined Masséna's staff and took part in the Siege of Genoa where he was wounded during two sorties.
Campana remained in Italy during the years of peace that followed and in May of 1805 he was promoted to général de brigade. When war broke out later that year, Campana was given command of the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Division of V Corps. He took part in the campaign in Austria that year and served notably at Dürenstein . On Christmas Day of 1805 Campana was named a Commander of the Legion of Honor. The next year he remained with V Corps and took part in the campaign against Prussia, serving at Jena. In February of 1807 General Campana fought at Ostrolenka where he was killed.
Bibliography
Updated June 2015
© Nathan D. Jensen