What is the Battle of Camerone?
The Battle of Camerone takes place on April 30, 1863 in Mexico, during the expedition ordered by Napoleon III. Around sixty legionnaires, led by Captain Danjou, are tasked with protecting a supply convoy. Quickly surrounded by about 2,000 Mexican soldiers, they barricade themselves in a hacienda to resist. Despite being outnumbered, they refuse to surrender and fight with determination.
Captain Danjou is killed in combat, but his men continue the fight. For over eleven hours, the legionnaires hold out against enemy assaults. Running out of ammunition, the last survivors make a final bayonet charge. They eventually surrender, after receiving honors from their opponents for their bravery.
Although it was a tactical defeat, the Battle of Camerone becomes a symbol of courage and duty for the legionnaires. Since 1863, this battle is commemorated every April 30 as the founding act of the values of the Foreign Legion.
Captain Danjou’s Hand, Symbol of the Foreign Legion
Captain Danjou (1828-1863), who commanded the company in Camerone, lost his hand in 1853 in Algeria during his assignment to the 2nd Foreign Legion Regiment. Today, Captain Danjou’s hand is the centerpiece of the Foreign Legion Museum. It is kept in a crypt and only brought out once a year, during Camerone, under armed escort.
Each year, Captain Danjou’s hand is carried by a legionnaire during the Camerone ceremony. This designation, by the general commanding the Foreign Legion, is a true honor for the carrier and their companions. The lifting of the hand, on the Sacred Way leading to the war memorial in Aubagne, symbolically renews the oath made by the men of Captain Danjou: to fulfill the mission at all costs.
General of the Army Thierry Burkhard, Carrier of Captain Danjou’s Hand
For the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Camerone, General of the Army (2S) Thierry Burkhard will be honored as the carrier of Captain Danjou’s hand. A graduate of Saint-Cyr, he has 40 years of service and held top military positions as Inspector of the Army, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, as well as a leader in the Foreign Legion.
General of the Army (2S) Burkhard retired from service on September 5, 2025. He holds several military decorations and honors for his long and distinguished career.
Who will accompany Thierry Burkhard?
General Thierry Burkhard will be accompanied by two exceptional non-commissioned officers: Warrant Officer Jürgen Madsen and Warrant Officer Luigi Da Pont.
Warrant Officer Jürgen Madsen
Born in 1932 in Denmark, Warrant Officer Jürgen Madsen joined the Foreign Legion in 1955, serving for 32 years. He was involved in operations in Algeria and received several citations for his actions.
Warrant Officer Luigi Da Pont, born in 1936 in Italy, joined the Legion in 1962 and served for 25 years. He was recognized for his leadership and combat skills during various deployments.
The 2026 Commemorations of the Battle of Camerone
The ceremony on April 30 organized by the 1st Foreign Regiment in Aubagne will bring together a significant military presence and many dignitaries. The event will also include guests from European royal families.
Every April 30, Camerone is an opportunity for legionnaires to gather and commemorate the values of the Foreign Legion with honor and loyalty.
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