Armand Blanquet du Chayla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Armand Blanquet du Chayla
Knight of the Empire
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|---|---|
| Born | 9 May 1759 Marvejols |
| Died | 29 April 1826 (aged 67) Versailles |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Service/ |
Navy |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
Count Armand Simon Marie Blanquet du Chayla (born May 9, 1759 – died April 29, 1826) was an important officer in the French Navy. He is most famous for being the second-in-command of the French fleet when it was defeated at the Battle of the Nile.
Armand du Chayla was born in Marvejols, a town in southeast France. He started his naval career as a young officer. He showed great skill during the American Revolutionary War. This was a big war where America fought for its independence.
Du Chayla served under a famous French leader, Admiral d'Estaing. In 1778, he was captured by the enemy. But he was released two years later and returned to duty.
He then served under another admiral, Admiral de Grasse. Du Chayla was on a ship called the Languedoc. He took part in the Battle of Martinique in 1780.
He also fought in other important battles. These included the Battle of the Chesapeake and the Battle of St. Kitts. He was even wounded during the Battle of the Saintes.
After the war, Du Chayla was promoted. He became a Lieutenant de vaisseau, then a capitaine de vaisseau. This meant he was in charge of his own ship, the Tonnant.
Rising Through the Ranks
During the French Revolutionary Wars, Du Chayla continued to serve. He took part in battles along the Italian coasts. In 1793, he was temporarily removed from his command. This was because he came from a noble family. However, he was soon allowed to return to his duties.
From 1795 to 1797, he worked as an assistant. He helped the Minister of the Navy. In 1796, he was promoted again. He became a division commander. Soon after, he was made a contre-amiral, which is like a rear admiral.
The Battle of the Nile and Its Aftermath
In 1798, Du Chayla was a rear admiral. He was the second-in-command of the French fleet. The main commander was Admiral François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers. Their mission was part of the campaign in Egypt.
Du Chayla fought bravely during the Battle of the Nile. He tried to convince Admiral Brueys to move the fleet. But his advice was not taken. The French fleet suffered a major defeat. Du Chayla was badly wounded during the battle. His ship, the Franklin, was captured by the Royal Navy.
After he returned to France, Du Chayla was very critical. He disagreed with the tactics of other admirals. These included Villeneuve, Decrès, and Ganteaume. Because of his strong opinions, he resigned in 1803.
Later, the famous leader Napoléon brought him back into service. Du Chayla was honored by Louis XVIII of France. He was made a Count and an honorary vice-admiral. Armand Simon Marie Blanquet du Chayla passed away in Versailles on April 29, 1826.
