Camerone, battle of (1863), episode of the French Mexican expedition. In April 1863 the 3rd Company of the Legion's 1st battalion, commanded by the one-handed Capt Danjou, was escorting a bullion convoy through the Mexican countryside when it was surrounded by a greatly superior Mexican force in a farm near the village of Camarón (Sp.: camarón, shrimp). Danjou refused to surrender and was killed, and his men followed his example until only a handful were left. Their ammunition gone, they made a last bayonet charge in which all were killed or wounded. Danjou's wooden hand was recovered and takes pride of place when the Legion celebrates Camerone day on 30 April each year.
— Richard Holmes
