Giuseppe Govone

Giuseppe Gaetano Maria Govone (Isola d'Asti, 1825 – Alba, Italy, January 1872) was an Italian general and politician of Piedmontese origin, who played a major role in the Italian Risorgimento.

An officer ahead of his time, he took part in the three Wars of Independence and distinguished himself as Minister of War in the government of Giovanni Lanza.

As a junior staff officer, First Lieutenant Giuseppe Govone took part in the battles of Pastrengo, Peschiera, and Cerlungo. Promoted to captain, he joined the staff of General Alfonso La Marmora's 6th Division.

In 1849, the 6th Division suppressed the republican Rebellion of Genoa, which broke out as a consequence of the Armistice of Vignale with Austria after the Battle of Novara. In this action, Govone was able without fighting to take control of three forts on the outskirts of Genoa.

For his actions in the First Italian War of Independence, Govone was awarded two Silver medals.

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1853–56 (Crimean War), Captain Govone played a decisive role in the defense of Silistria (May–June 1854). He drafted the plan for the inner redoubt of the city. The construction of this new redoubt prevented the Russians from taking Silistria immediately. Promoted to major, Govone took part in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade on October 25, 1854.

On the eve of the conflict, Govone was promoted to lieutenant colonel and assigned to the General Headquarters of the King and appointed Chief of the military intelligence unit (Ufficio I). In this position, he infiltrated Austrian lines on several occasions. He also fought in the Battle of Palestro, Battle of Magenta, and Battle of San Martino.

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