Probably true. Quick search, Encyclopedia Brittanica says that Nicolas Appert of France invented canning in 1809 to preserve food for military use. Didn't see a reference to canned meat specifically.

Another interesting "fact" from Wikipedia:
"In 1917, the French Army began issuing canned French cuisine, such as coq au vin, Beef Bourguignon, french onion soup and Vichyssoise"

And from that, we got SPAM