Siege of Toulon

7 September to 19 December 1793

The French Revolution not only had to face external enemies, but also those within the divided France.

One area that was fervently anti-revolutionary was the major port of Toulon.

On 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.

Paris 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.

Their poor performances led to a young Chef de Bataillon Napoleon Bonaparte scheming with political allies to replace them with General Jacques Dugommier.

The 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.

The 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.

On the 19th revolutionary troops reoccupied Toulon earning Bonaparte promotion to general of brigade.