Siege of Toulon
7 September to 19 December 1793
French Revolution not
only had to face external enemies, but also those within
the divided France.
area that was fervently anti-revolutionary was the major
port of Toulon.
28 August 1793, the city turned itself over to the Bourbons
and a British, Spanish and pro-Bourbon military force, together
with naval support, occupied it.
reacted quickly and laid siege to the city on 7 September,
with several attempts to recapture it failing through poor
leadership by generals Jean Carteaux and Francois Doppet.
poor performances led to a young Chef de Bataillon Napoleon
Bonaparte scheming with political allies to replace
them with General Jacques Dugommier.
new commander then agreed to plans put forward by Bonaparte
to storm a key fort that would allow French artillery to
bombard the British fleet anchored
in the harbour.
attack occurred on 17 December, in which Bonaparte was wounded
by a bayonet in the leg, and less than a day later the British
fleet, under Admiral Lord Hood, sailed away.
the 19th revolutionary troops reoccupied Toulon earning
Bonaparte promotion to general of brigade.