Charles René Dominique Sochet, Chevalier Destouches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles René Dominique Sochet, Chevalier Destouches
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| Born | 7 October 1727 Luçon, Vendée, Kingdom of France |
| Died | 23 December 1793 (aged 66) Prinquiau, French First Republic |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of France |
| Service/ |
 French Navy |
| Years of service | 1743–1790 |
| Rank | Chef d'escadre |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |  Order of Saint LouisSociety of the Cincinnati |
Charles René Dominique Sochet, also known as Chevalier Destouches, was a French naval officer. He was born on October 7, 1727, and passed away on December 23, 1793.
Destouches is best known for his part in the American Revolutionary War. He fought in important naval battles. These included the Battle of Cape Henry in 1781 and the Battle of the Saintes in 1782.
A Life at Sea
Destouches was born in Luçon, a town in Vendée, France, in 1727. He decided to join the French Navy when he was young. By 1767, he had become a Captain.
In 1778, France joined the American Revolutionary War. Destouches was given command of a 74-gun ship called the Neptune. His ship was part of a large fleet. This fleet was led by Comte de Grasse. Their fleet helped to occupy Newport, Rhode Island in America.
Key Battles
In 1781, Destouches was promoted to rear admiral. He took command of the French fleet stationed in Newport. He tried to send troops to Virginia to fight against British forces. The British general, Benedict Arnold, was leading raids there.
However, Destouches' plan did not succeed. He met the British fleet led by Admiral Mariot Arbuthnot at the Battle of Cape Henry. Several of his ships were damaged, so he had to pull back.
In 1782, Destouches served under de Grasse again. This time, they fought in the Battle of the Saintes. This was a major naval battle in the Caribbean. The British won this battle, and de Grasse was captured.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war ended, Destouches returned to France. In 1788, he was promoted to Chef d'Escadre. This was a very high rank in the French Navy. He had spent 46 years serving at sea.
During the French Revolution, Destouches supported the Royalists. He became involved in activities in the Vendée region in 1793. He was briefly held captive. After being released, he served as an advisor in the Battle of Savenay. He passed away in late 1793.
