Nino Bixio

Nino Bixio (2 October 1821-1873) was an Italian soldier born on the 2nd of October 1821. While still a boy he was compelled by his parents to embrace a maritime career. After numerous adventures he returned to Italy in 1846, joined the Giovine Italia, and, on 4 November 1847, made himself conspicuous at Genoa by seizing the bridle of Charles Albert's horse and crying, "Pass the Ticino, Sire, and we are all with you."

Related Topics:
2 October - 1821 - 1873 - Italian - 1846 - Giovine Italia - 4 November - 1847 - Genoa - Charles Albert - Ticino

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He fought through the campaign of 1848, became captain under Giuseppe Garibaldi at Rome in 1849, taking prisoners an entire French battalion, and gaining the gold medal for military valour. In 1859 he commanded a Garibaldian battalion, and gained the Military Cross of Savoy.

Related Topics:
1848 - Giuseppe Garibaldi - Rome - 1849 - French - 1859 - Battalion - Military Cross of Savoy

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Joining the Marsala expedition in 1860, he turned the day in favor of Garibaldi at Calatafimi, was wounded at Palermo, but recovered in time to besiege Reggio in Calabria (21 August 1860), and, though again wounded, took part in the Battle of the Volturno, where his leg was broken.

Related Topics:
Marsala - 1860 - Calatafimi - Palermo - Reggio - Calabria - 21 August - Battle of the Volturno

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Elected deputy in 1861, he endeavoured to reconcile Cavour and Garibaldi. In 1866, at the head of the seventh division, he covered the Italian retreat from the Battle of Custozza, ignoring the Austrian summons to surrender. Created senator in February 1870, he was in the following September given command of a division during the movement against Rome, took Civitavecchia, and participated in the general attack upon Rome (20 September 1870). He died of cholera at Aceh Bay in Sumatra en route for Batavia, where he had gone in command of a commercial expedition (16 December 1873).

Related Topics:
1861 - Cavour - 1866 - Battle of Custozza - Austria - Senator - 1870 - Rome - Civitavecchia - 20 September - Cholera - Aceh - Sumatra - Batavia - 16 December - 1873

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