MenuColonel Paul Denoyer
Born: February 11, 1768
Place of Birth: Belleville, Paris, France
Died: November 1, 1799
Cause of Death: Killed in action
Place of Death: Damietta, Egypt
Arc de Triomphe: DESNOYERS on the south pillar
Pronunciation:
The son of a wine merchant, Paul Denoyer enlisted in the army in April of 1783. At the onset of the French Revolution, in 1789 he left the army on July 11th so that he could join the National Guard of Paris on July 14th. In August of 1792 Denoyer was named a chef de bataillon of the 10th Battalion of Federals. Denoyer's next promotion came in May of 1794 when he was named chef de brigade of the 21st Light demi-brigade. On September 18th he fought at the combat of Sprimont in Belgium where he was wounded. In October of 1795 Denoyer was taken prisoner and he was not released until 1797. Once back in France he took command of the 2nd demi-brigade.
Denoyer took part in the expedition to Egypt and he distinguished himself at the Battle of the Pyramids . Continuing to serve with the Army of the Orient, in February of 1799 while serving under Junot he distinguished himself at the Battle of Nazareth. In October of 1799 Sir Sydney Smith disembarked with Turkish troops near Damietta. General Verdier reacted quickly and ordered an attack on the enemy. On November 1st Denoyer led his regiment in a successful bayonet attack during the Battle of Damietta, also known as the Battle of Lesbeh, which was a great victory for the French. However, Denoyer was mortally wounded during the fighting and died the same day.
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Updated July 2026
© Nathan D. Jensen