Achille Pierre Deffontaines | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 16 February 1858 Bouvines, Nord |
| Died | 26 August 1914 (aged 56) Reims, Marne |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Service | French Army |
| Years of service | 1878–1914 |
| Rank | Général de brigade |
| Battles / wars | First World War (1914) |
| Awards | Chevalier of the Legion of Honour |
Achille Pierre Deffontaines (16 February 1858 – 26 August 1914) was a French general. He served in various metropolitan infantry regiments before becoming a staff officer in several divisions and army corps. Deffontaines became the youngest general in France on his promotion to général de brigade in 1913. He led the 24th Infantry Division into action in Belgium in one of the opening battles of the First World War. Deffontaines was shot in the head while commanding his troops in the field on 22 August and died in hospital four days later. He was the youngest French general to die during the war.