Charles Baudin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Baudin
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Portrait by Émile Vernet-Lecomte
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| Born | 21 July 1784 Sedan, Kingdom of France |
| Died | 7 June 1854 (aged 69) Ischia, Kingdom of Sardinia |
| Allegiance |  First French Empire Kingdom of France July Monarchy |
| Service/ |
 French Navy |
| Years of service | 1808–1848 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Battles/wars | Pastry War Battle of Lazzaroni |
| Other work | Military attaché to Buenos Aires |
Charles Baudin (born July 21, 1784 – died June 7, 1854) was a brave French admiral. He served in the navy for a long time, from the time of the First French Empire until the start of the Second Empire.
Contents
Charles Baudin started his naval career in 1800. He was a midshipman, which is a junior officer. He sailed on a ship called Géographe.
Exploring Australia
Baudin joined an important trip to Australia. This was called the Baudin expedition. They explored and mapped parts of the Australian coast.
Losing an Arm in Battle
In 1808, Baudin was serving in the Indian Ocean. He was on the French ship Sémillante. His ship fought against a British ship called HMS Terpsichore. During this battle, Baudin was badly injured and lost an arm.
A Brave Commander
In 1812, Baudin became a Lieutenant and Commander. He was in charge of a small warship called Renard. He was given a very important job. He had to take 14 ships full of supplies safely to Toulon.
British ships were chasing him. But Baudin was very clever and brave. He managed to get his ships safely to St. Tropez. He even fought against a British ship called HMS Swallow on June 11. Because of his success, he was promoted to Captain in Toulon.
Return to Service and Major Battles
Forced Retirement and Return
After the battle of Waterloo, Baudin had to retire from the navy. This was during a time called the Restoration. In 1816, he started working in the merchant marine, which means he sailed civilian ships for trade.
However, he returned to military service later. This happened during the July Monarchy, a new period in French history.
The Pastry War
In 1838, Baudin became a Rear Admiral. He was put in charge of a group of ships sent to Mexico. This mission was part of a conflict known as the "Pastry War."
On November 27, 1838, Baudin led French forces in the Battle of Veracruz. They fought against a strong fort called San Juan de Ulúa. The fort surrendered the very next day.
Later Commands
In January 1839, Baudin was promoted again. He became a Vice Admiral. The next year, he was sent on an important mission to Buenos Aires. He also took command of the French fleet in South American waters.
In 1841, he briefly worked for the Ministry of Marine. This department manages the navy. But he soon resigned and became a maritime prefect in Toulon. This meant he was in charge of naval affairs in that area.
Final Years and Legacy
Commander of the Mediterranean Fleet
In 1848, a big event called the February Revolution happened in France. After this, Baudin became the commander-in-chief of France's Mediterranean Fleet.
In this role, he took part in the Battle of Lazzaroni. He also led troops against Naples. Later, he moved his forces toward Sicily. However, he was defeated there by forces led by Carlo Filangieri.
Death
In 1849, Baudin went back to Ischia with his family. He passed away there on June 7, 1854. Not long before his death, he had been named a full Admiral.
