Jean François Sylvestre Denis de Trobriand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean François Sylvestre Denis de Trobriand
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| Born | 7 June 1765 Finistère, France
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| Died | 16 March 1799 (aged 33) |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Naval Officer Explorer |
| Title | Commander |
Jean François Sylvestre Denis de Trobriand (born June 7, 1765 – died March 16, 1799) was a brave French naval officer and explorer. He was known for his important role in a big sea journey led by d'Entrecasteaux between 1791 and 1794. This journey explored parts of Australasia, which includes Australia and nearby islands. The Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea are named after him.
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About Jean François de Trobriand
Jean François de Trobriand was born in Finistère, France, in 1765. He came from an important family in Brittany. He was one of three children. His father was Jean François Sylvestre Denis, count of Trobriand.
Trobriand joined the French Navy when he was young. In 1780, he became a midshipman. This was an officer in training. He first served under a famous explorer named Bougainville. Trobriand even took part in the American War of Independence.
The d'Entrecasteaux Expedition
In 1791, Trobriand became a first lieutenant on a ship called the Espérance. This ship was part of a special expedition. The expedition was led by d'Entrecasteaux. Its main goal was to find another explorer, Jean-François Lapérouse. Lapérouse's expedition had disappeared in 1788.
The Espérance was captained by Jean-Michel Kermadec. It was one of two ships on this important journey.
Exploring New Lands
The d'Entrecasteaux expedition explored many places. They visited parts of the Australian coast and Tasmania. They also explored New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. In what is now Papua New Guinea, they explored the Admiralty Islands.
After exploring, the ships went to Ambon in the Moluccas. They stopped there to get more supplies. Then, they started sailing back towards Australia.
Challenges and Return
During the journey, Captain Kermadec sadly died in New Caledonia. Because of this, the expedition decided to return to France. On their way back, the ships sailed through the Louisiade Archipelago. Some islands in this group were later named after Trobriand.
Later Life and Death
The ships stopped in Surabaya on their way back to France. The crew did not know that France was at war with the Netherlands. Because of this, the surviving sailors were held captive. Their ships were also taken and broken up.
Trobriand was taken to the Netherlands. He finally returned to France in 1797. After returning, he was made a Commander. He then sailed to Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). He died there in 1799 during a time of conflict.
