Jean-Baptiste Olivier famously observed the action at Fleurus from a hot air balloon.
13 Facts About Jean-Baptiste Olivier
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2.
Jean-Baptiste Olivier fought at the Trebbia where he was severely wounded, losing a leg.
3.
At some time during the battle, Jean-Baptiste Olivier went up in a captive hot air balloon to observe the Coalition positions.
4.
Jean-Baptiste Olivier later named his son Fleurus to commemorate his part in the victory.
5.
Jean-Baptiste Olivier's troops seized the redoubts and the village of Bendorf.
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Subsequently, Jean-Baptiste Olivier served with the Army of England and the Army of Italy before being transferred to the Army of Naples in early 1799.
7.
The army counted an advance guard and six infantry divisions, of which Jean-Baptiste Olivier led the 1st Division.
8.
Jean-Baptiste Olivier was described as "a brave but not a very good General".
9.
At the Trebbia, Jean-Baptiste Olivier's division included the 12th Line, 30th Line, and 73rd Line Infantry Regiments, the 7th and 19th Chasseurs a cheval Regiments, and 304 gunners and sappers, a total of 5,826 men.
10.
At 11:00 am, Jean-Baptiste Olivier's assault was delivered and it surprised and routed the Austrians facing it.
11.
On Jean-Baptiste Olivier's left, Montrichard's assault was met with intense fire and collapsed in rout.
12.
Jean-Baptiste Olivier went to serve in the Italian Republic and in 1803 was appointed commander at Brescia.
13.
In 1805, Jean-Baptiste Olivier was appointed commander of the 20th Military Division.