Angelo Maria Colli (Pizzighettone, 24 November 1773 – 1812)
Son of general Francesco Colli, he became a public engineer in 1791. He joined the Austrian military engineers in 1792 after an examination. The following year he moved with his father to the Papal State service, as an artillery captain 1st class. He had a rapid career, becoming hydraulic inspector in chief in 1795. In 1796 he was promoted to battalion major, in 1802 lieutenant-colonel. From 1803 he directed the special school for artillery. After the death of his father he became commander-in-chief of the artillery, governor of Castel Sant’Angelo, Court Chamberlain with an annual wage of around 11.000 francs. When the French entered Rome in 1808, general Miollis promised him promotion to colonel, and he moved with his troops to Pavia. Nevertheless, he was only taken into Italian service after an examination with the rank of battalion chief. He took part in the 1809 campaign, being decorated with the Legion of Honour, then organized the Italian regimental artillery. He was promoted to major while on campaign in Russia, but died shortly thereafter (Cf. MSA, WO 1476 bis, 2021 and OR 89).