Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre | |
---|---|
Born | 20 May 1734
Chalabre |
Baptised | 27 May 1734 |
Died | 6 July 1821
(aged 87) Chalabre |
Occupation | Officer in the French Royal Navy |
Awards | |
Titles | count |
Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre ( Castelnaudary, 25 May 1734 — Chalabre, 6 July 1821) [1] [2] was a French Navy officer. He notably captained the 74-gun Illustre at the Battle of Trincomalee from 25 August to 3 September 1782 [3] and at the Battle of Cuddalore on 20 June 1783. [4]
Bruyères was born to the family of Count de Bruyères Chalabre. He joined the Navy as a Garde-Marine on 11 February 1751, and was promoted to lieutenant on 1 October 1764, and to captain on 4 April 1777. [2]
With the rank of captain, Bruyères commanded the 80-gun Tonnant in the Yorktown campaign. He later captained the 74-gun Zélé and was part of the French blockade during Siege of Savannah in 1779. [5] His role in the War of American Independence earned him a membership in the Society of the Cincinnati. [5]
He then took part in the Indian Ocean campaign under Suffren, commanding the 74-gun Illustre at the Battle of Trincomalee from 25 August to 3 September 1782, [3] where he was wounded. [6] Suffren made flattering reports on his conduct in the battle. [7] He went to fight at the Battle of Cuddalore on 20 June 1783. [4]
After the Peace of Paris put an end to the war in 1783, he returned to France in 1784. He was amongst the captains that Suffren recommended for promotion [8] [Note 1] He received a 600-livre pension in recognition of his service. [9] On 1 May 1786, he was promoted to Chef de Division. [5] [2]
Bruyères resigned from the Navy on 15 March 1792. [2] During the Reign of Terror, he was arrested, but was released after the Thermidorian Reaction. He then fled France to become an émigré. [5]
After the Bourbon Restauration, Bruyères-Chalabre returned to France. On 13 June 1814, he was promoted to rear admiral. In December 1814, he became a vice-admiral. [5]
From November 1815, he served as a Deputy for Aude in the Chamber of Deputies. [5]