Jean-Georges du Croiset de Retz facts for kids

Gaspard de Ligondès was a brave officer in the French Navy. He played a part in the exciting War of American Independence.

A Life at Sea: Gaspard de Ligondès

Gaspard de Ligondès was born into a family from a region in France called Auvergne. He started his career in the Navy quite young, joining as a Garde-Marine in 1741. This was a bit like being a naval cadet.

He worked his way up through the ranks over many years. He became a Lieutenant in 1756, then a Commander in 1767. By 1772, he was promoted to Captain.

Fighting in the American Revolutionary War

In 1779, Captain Ligondès commanded a powerful warship named the Vengeur. This ship had 64 guns! His ship was part of a group led by De Grasse. They were sent to help D'Estaing and his forces during the War of American Independence.

Ligondès was injured during the Battle of Grenada on 6 July 1779. Despite his injury, he continued to serve. He took part in the Siege of Savannah later that year, in September and October.

He also fought bravely in the Battle of Martinique on 17 April 1780. In this battle, his ship, the Vengeur, along with two other French ships, the Destin and the Saint Michel, directly faced off against much stronger British warships. These included the mighty Sandwich, commanded by Rodney, and also HMS Cornwall and HMS Suffolk.

Later Career and Retirement

In 1781, Ligondès was given command of another large warship, the Zodiaque, which had 74 guns. The next year, in 1782, he transferred to the ship Robuste. In the same year, he received another promotion, becoming a Brigadier.

Gaspard de Ligondès retired from the Navy in 1786. He left with the high rank of Chef d'Escadre, which is a senior naval officer position.