Lannes, Jean (1769–1809)

French soldier who served in numerous campaigns under Napoleon. He was named by Napoleon as one of the 18 marshals of the empire in 1804. His most renowned military exploit was the brilliant assault that succeeded in capturing the Spanish city of Zaragoza in 1809, during the Peninsular War. Later that year, he was killed at the battle of Essling.

Born of humble parents, Lannes was was apprenticed to a dyer, but left to join the army in 1792. According to Bonaparte's own account, Lannes fought in 54 battles and 300 smaller actions. Among these were Aboukir Bay (1797), Marengo (1800), Austerlitz (1805), and Jena (1807).