On august 30 1843, at the age of 14 and 13, respectively, they joined the military school. Four years later, while students still they participated in the defense of their school sited in the Castle of Chapultep�c against the American Army in 1947. At the time, Fernando was a lieutenant, and Miguel a second lieutenant. Although their role in the defense of the castle has not been properly documented, our family elders would tell us of their participation, especially of the relevant role played by Fernando, who faced the best swordsman of the American regiment on a one to one duel and defeated him. Fernando later became brigadier general, and Miguel Colonel of Engineers.
They also fought against the French Army defending Mexico against the Napoleonic Invasion in support of President Benito Juarez.
As the French Army was closing on the City of Chihuahua on 5 August 1865, General Fernando Poucel commanded the trains, artillery and printing galleys out of the city.
Fernando, with other survivors of the battle at Chapultep�c (Jos� T. Cu�llar, Antonio Sol�, Ignacio Molina, C�stulo Garc�a, Esteban Zamora, Vicente Herrera, Ignacio Burgoa y Santiago Hern�ndez), established the "Asociaci�n del Heroico Colegio Militar" in 1871. In recognition of his role in the battle, the cadets honored him by appointing him Founder President of the Society.
Fernando was a gentle man, but fierce when required. People knew him as a man not to be messed with. He participated in many duels and triumph to live a long happy life. You can see him as a mature man with his saber in the photo.
He married Luz David, and fathered two sons: Fernando and Carolina. Fernando married Guadalupe Bustamante in 1889. We know very little of this side of the family.
