Carlos O'Donnell y Anethan

Carlos Manuel O'Donnell y Anhetan, also known as Charles O'Donnell (1772–1830), was a Spanish general of Irish descent who commanded Spanish troops against Imperial France during the Peninsular War.

Family His father was Joseph O'Donnell the elder. Carlos's five brothers all fought in Spain's armies, and two of them, like Carlos, were also generals; Enrique (Henry) O'Donnell, 1st Count of la Bisbal and José.

His son, Leopoldo O'Donnell, would also become a general and was prime minister of Spain on three occasions between 1856 and 1866.

Early career In 1777, he joined the Regimiento de Irlanda as an under-age cadet at the age of five before going on to join the Regiment of Hibernia.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1787 and for much of 1790 participated in operations to suppress the bandoleros. He was given the command of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Ejército de la Izquierda, under Marquis de la Romana, and saw active service at Seville, in Portugal and in Extremadura.