François-Aymar de Monteil facts for kids
François-Aymar de Monteil (born in Dauphiné in 1725, died in Galluis on 10 September 1787) was an important French Navy officer. He fought in the War of American Independence, which helped the United States become independent. For his service, he became a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, a special group for officers from that war. He was also a member and director of the Académie de Marine, a French naval academy.
Quick facts for kids
François-Aymar de Monteil
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| Born | 1725  |
| Died | 10 September 1787 (aged 61–62) |
| Occupation | Military personnel |
| Rank | lieutenant général des Armées navales |
Contents
Monteil began his naval journey in 1741. He joined the French Navy as a Garde-Marine, which was a young officer in training.
First Battles and Promotions
He took part in the Battle of Cape Sicié on 22 February 1744. This was an important naval battle. In 1746, he was promoted to Ensign, a higher rank. That same year, he served on a frigate named Volage.
Volage and Flore
On 15 April, his ship Volage fought against a much larger British ship, HMS Stirling Castle. Volage was captured, but another French ship, Oriflamme, rescued her the next day. In 1747, Monteil served on the frigate Flore. This ship was protecting other ships carrying goods. During this mission, Flore fought and captured a British ship.
Command and Squadron Service
In 1755, Monteil was given command of a small warship called the 12-gun corvette Anémone. He was stationed in Cayenne.
Rising Through the Ranks
The next year, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He then served as a Major for a group of ships led by Admiral d'Aché. Monteil was on the ship Zodiaque. He fought in the Battle of Cuddalore on 29 April 1758. He also took part in the Battle of Negapatam on 3 August.
Pondicherry and Awards
Monteil later commanded the frigate Sylphide. He participated in the Battle of Pondicherry on 10 September 1759. For his brave actions in this battle, he was made a Knight in the Order of Saint Louis on 30 March 1759. This was a special award for military bravery.
Captain and Ship Commands
In 1762, Monteil was promoted to Captain. He was given command of the 64-gun ship Éveillé in Newfoundland. On 13 April 1771, he sailed from Port-Louis on the ship Actionnaire. His destination was Isle de France, which is now Mauritius. In 1774, Monteil was the captain of the frigate Zéphir.
Renommée Incident
In 1776, he captained the 32-gun frigate Renommée. This ship was part of a training squadron called the Escadre d'évolution. On 20 April 1776, while leaving Brest, Renommée hit an underwater rock. Monteil could not immediately get the ship free. However, his commander, Du Chaffault, defended him. He wrote to the Navy Minister that "only those who command ships run the risk of losing them."
American Revolutionary War Service
In 1778, Monteil commanded the 74-gun ship Conquérant. This ship was part of a large fleet under Orvilliers.
Battle of Ushant
He took part in the Battle of Ushant on 27 July 1778. During this battle, he was wounded.
Caribbean Command
Monteil was promoted to Chef d'Escadre in 1779. This was another important promotion. In 1780, he was put in charge of the French fleet in the Caribbean Sea. His fleet included five 74-gun ships, four 64-gun ships, and six smaller vessels. His main ship, where he commanded from, was the 74-gun Palmier.
Siege of Pensacola and Chesapeake
He participated in the Siege of Pensacola in May 1781. After this, he returned to Cap-Français, arriving on 10 July. On 17 July 1781, he was given command of the rear squadron in De Grasse's fleet. His main ship was the 80-gun Languedoc. Before his squadron left, an accidental fire destroyed the 74-gun ship Intrépide, which then exploded. Monteil then took part in the very important Battle of the Chesapeake on 5 September 1781.
Later Life and Recognition
On 25 November 1782, he became a regular member of the Académie de Marine. This showed his high standing in naval circles. Monteil received his final promotion to Lieutenant général des armées navales on 8 February 1783. This was one of the highest ranks in the French Navy.
