Jean-Joseph Sourbader de Gimat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean-Joseph Sourbader de Gimat
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|---|---|
| Born | 1743 or 1747 |
| Died | unknown |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of France United States |
| Service/ |
Infantry |
| Years of service | 1761–1776 1776–1782 1782–1792 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Brandywine (1777) Battle of Gloucester (1777) Battle of Barren Hill (1778) Battle of Monmouth (1778) Battle of Green Spring (1781) Siege of Yorktown (1781) |
Jean-Joseph Sourbader de Gimat was a French officer who volunteered to serve in the Continental Army. This was the army that fought for American independence during the American Revolutionary War. He came from a family of soldiers.
He joined the French royal army in 1761. By 1776, he was a first lieutenant. He then traveled to America with Marquis de Lafayette. He was promised a higher rank, that of a major, for his service.
Contents
Helping the American Cause
Gimat became a trusted helper, or "aide," to Marquis de Lafayette. He served alongside Lafayette in several important battles.
Early Battles
- Battle of Brandywine (1777): This was a major battle where the Continental Army tried to stop the British from taking Philadelphia.
- Battle of Gloucester (1777): A smaller fight where American forces surprised and defeated a British and Hessian group.
- Battle of Barren Hill (1778): Lafayette's troops were almost trapped by the British. Gimat likely helped in their clever escape.
- Battle of Monmouth (1778): One of the largest battles of the war. It ended in a draw, but showed the Continental Army's growing strength.
After these battles, Gimat returned to France for about a year.
Return to America
He came back to America in 1780. He was given command of a special unit called a light infantry unit. These soldiers were known for moving quickly.
His unit fought in the Battle of Green Spring in 1781. This was a tough fight in Virginia.
Victory at Yorktown
Later in 1781, Gimat led his men in a very important attack. This happened during the Siege of Yorktown. This siege was the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War. The American and French forces trapped the British army. Gimat's leadership helped lead to a big victory for the Americans.
After the War
Gimat returned to France in 1782. He was promoted to colonel. He then took command of a French colonial regiment. This regiment was stationed in Martinique, an island in the Caribbean.
From 1789 to 1792, he served as the governor of Saint Lucia. This is another island in the Caribbean.
