Jean-François d'Arros d'Argelos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean-François d'Arros d'Argelos
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| Born | 26 August 1726  Arthès |
| Died | 9 September 1791 (aged 65) |
Jean-François d'Arros d'Argelos was a brave French Navy officer. He was born in Arthès on August 26, 1730. He played an important role in the American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of American Independence. An island, D'Arros Island, was even named after him!
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Jean-François d'Arros d'Argelos came from a family of naval captains. This meant he grew up around ships and the sea. He decided to follow in his family's footsteps.
He joined the French Navy on March 20, 1744. His first rank was a Garde-Marine. This was a special student officer role. It was like being a cadet, learning how to be a naval officer.
Rising Through the Ranks
After years of hard work, he was promoted. On May 15, 1756, he became a Lieutenant. This meant he was now a full officer with more responsibilities.
Commanding Ships
As an officer, d'Arros d'Argelos commanded several different types of ships. Each command helped him gain more experience at sea.
The Fluyt Balance
In 1768, he was the captain of a ship called the Balance. This was a fluyt, a type of cargo ship. While returning from Martinique, the Balance was unfortunately wrecked near Madeira.
The Corvette Expérience
After the shipwreck, he moved to the Expérience. This was a corvette, a smaller, faster warship. He served on it in Rochefort, a French port city.
The Fluyt Nourrice
The next year, he commanded another fluyt, the 14-gun Nourrice. He sailed this ship on long journeys. These trips took him between Rochefort, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Bay of All Saints in Brazil.
Captain of the Indien
On February 18, 1772, he received a big promotion. He became a full Captain! In the same year, he was given command of the 64-gun Indien. This was a powerful warship, and he commanded it in the Indian Ocean.
Service in the American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War was a major conflict. France supported the American colonies against Great Britain. D'Arros d'Argelos played a key role in this war.
Flag Captain of the Auguste
In 1780, Captain d'Arros d'Argelos commanded the 80-gun Auguste. He served in Brest as a flag captain. This meant he was the captain of the ship where the fleet's commander, Chef d'Escadre Rochechouart, sailed.
Battle of the Chesapeake
He commanded the 74-gun Palmier at the Battle of the Chesapeake. This important battle happened on September 5, 1781. It was a major naval victory for the French.
Battle of the Saintes
The next year, he was promoted to Brigadier. He then took part in the Battle of the Saintes on April 12, 1782. He was captain of the 80-gun Languedoc.
Inquiry After the Battle
After the Battle of the Saintes, there was an investigation. The French commander, De Grasse, blamed some officers for the defeat. D'Arros d'Argelos was one of them. However, after the inquiry, he was found innocent. All accusations against him were dropped.
Later Life and Legacy
On August 20, 1784, d'Arros d'Argelos received his final promotion. He became a Chef d'Escadre. This was a very high rank in the French Navy. He was also a member of the Académie de Marine, a respected naval academy.
