Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre

Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre
Born25 May 1734
Castelnaudary, France
Died6 July 1821
Chalabre, France
Service/branchFrench Navy
Rankvice-admiral
Battles/warsYorktown campaign
Siege of Savannah
Battle of Trincomalee
Battle of Cuddalore

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]

Biography

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 the 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 Restoration, 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]

Notes

  1. ^ The list comprised d'Aymar, Bruyères, Clavières, Du Chilleau, Saint-Félix, Cuverville, Vignes d'Arrac and La Règle.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Paul Jacques Louis Gabriel BRUYERES CHALABRE". Parcours de vie dans la Royale. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Lacour-Gayet (1910), p. 613.
  3. ^ a b Cunat (1852), p. 217.
  4. ^ a b Cunat (1852), p. 301-302.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Gardiner (1905), p. 121.
  6. ^ Cunat (1852), p. 235.
  7. ^ Cunat (1852), p. 230.
  8. ^ a b Lacour-Gayet (1910), p. 550.
  9. ^ Lacour-Gayet (1910), p. 660.

Bibliography

  • Cunat, Charles (1852). Histoire du Bailli de Suffren. Rennes: A. Marteville et Lefas. p. 447.
  • Gardiner, Asa Bird (1905). The order of the Cincinnati in France. Rennes: The Rhode Island state society of Cincinnati. p. 121.
  • Lacour-Gayet, Georges (1910). La marine militaire de la France sous le règne de Louis XVI. Paris: Honoré Champion.
  • "Amiral entre océans et Révolution : Paul-Jacques comte de Bruyères-Chalabre (1734-1821)". autour de nos ancêtres. 20 June 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2020.