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]

Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre
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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
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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

References

Bibliography

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