Claude-François Renart d'Amblimont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claude-François Renart d'Amblimont
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| Born | 8 November 1736  Rochefort |
| Died | 14 February 1797 (aged 60) Cape St. Vincent |
| Occupation | Naval officer |
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| Rank | contre-amiral |
Claude-Marguerite Renart de Fuchsamberg d'Amblimont was born in Rochefort, France, in 1736. He became a skilled officer in the French Navy. He played a part in the War of American Independence. He died during the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797.
Contents
A Life at Sea
Claude-Marguerite Renart d'Amblimont came from a family of naval officers. His father, Claude-Thomas Renart d'Amblimont, was also a high-ranking naval officer. His grandfather, Thomas-Claude Renart de Fuchsamberg Amblimont, was also in the navy.
Claude-Marguerite started his naval career very young. He joined the Navy as a Garde-Marine (a type of cadet) on December 20, 1751. This was the start of his long and important career.
Rising Through the Ranks
He quickly moved up in the Navy.
- In 1754, he became an Ensign.
- By 1760, he was promoted to Lieutenant.
- In 1770, he was honored as a Knight in the Order of Saint Louis. This was a special award for military bravery.
- On February 18, 1772, he became a Captain.
In 1776, Captain Amblimont commanded the frigate Diligente. He took part in important training exercises with the Escadre d'évolution.
Capturing a Privateer
In October 1778, Amblimont was the captain of the 64-gun ship Vengeur. His ship, along with the frigate Belle Poule, successfully captured a privateer ship called St Peters. A privateer was a private ship allowed to attack enemy ships during wartime.
Defending Louisbourg
In 1757, Amblimont helped defend against the Louisbourg Expedition. This was an attempt by British forces to capture the French fortress of Louisbourg.
An Inventor and Author
Amblimont was not just a fighter; he was also an inventor. He created a new type of Capstan. A capstan is a machine used on ships to pull heavy ropes or anchors.
In 1788, he wrote a book called Tactique Navale. This book was about naval tactics and was very well-received. It showed his deep understanding of how to fight battles at sea.
Important Battles
In 1779, he was promoted to Brigadier. In 1781, he commanded the 74-gun ship Hercule. This ship was part of a large squadron led by famous admirals like Guichen and Orvilliers.
He fought in the Battle of Martinique on April 17, 1780. Later, he moved to command the ship Brave. He also took part in the Battle of the Saintes on April 12, 1782. During this battle, he was captured by the British forces.
Later Career and Final Battle
On August 20, 1784, he was promoted to Chef d'Escadre, a very high rank. On January 1, 1792, he became a Contre-amiral (Rear Admiral).
Later, Amblimont joined the Spanish Navy. He was given command of a group of ships, with his flag on the ship Conde de Regla. He was tragically killed by a cannonball during the Battle of Cape St Vincent on February 14, 1797. He was a brave officer who served different navies throughout his life.
