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Battle of Camerone, campaign of Mexico, 1863, (20th century). Fought on 30 April 1863, the Battle of Camarón established the legendary status of the French Foreign Legion as a fighting force. France intervened in Mexico in 1862, initially with the support of Spain and Britain, when Mexico suspended payments of interest on loans from foreign governments. The battle occurred when a small Foreign Legion detachment of 62 men and three officers commanded by Captain Jean Danjou were besieged and attacked at the Hacienda Camarón near Palo Verde by a Mexican force numbering 1600. After refusing to surrender, the Legionnaires mounted an heroic defence of the Hacienda until, out of ammunition, the surviving five mounted a bayonet charge against the Mexicans. Two were killed and the remaining three captured. The Mexican commander, Colonel Milan, was so impressed with their courage that he granted the survivors safe passage, allowing them to keep their flag. Every year the Foreign Legion commemorates the battle with a ceremony on what is known as Camerone Day.