Jean de Brun de Boades facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean de Brun de Boades
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|
|---|---|
| Allegiance | France |
| Navy | |
| Rank | Chef d'Escadre |
| Commands held | Lion |
| Battles/wars | War of American Independence |
Jean de Brun de Boades was an important officer in the French Navy. He served during the War of American Independence, a major conflict where France supported the American colonies in their fight for freedom from Great Britain.
Contents
Early Commands
In 1778, Jean de Brun de Boades commanded a powerful warship named the Lion. This ship had 64 cannons! The Lion was part of a larger group of ships, known as a squadron. This squadron was led by another officer, Louis de Fabry de Fabrègues.
Other ships in this squadron included the 74-gun Destin and Victoire. There were also two more 64-gun ships, the Hardi and the Caton. Smaller, faster ships called frigates, like the Gracieuse and the Flore, also joined them.
Facing the British
Years later, on May 14, 1781, Jean de Brun de Boades was in command of the Actif. This was an even bigger ship, with 74 cannons! He was sailing off the coast of Brest, France, when he spotted some British ships. He decided to chase after them.
The next morning, on May 15, the Actif met the British ship HMS Nonsuch, which had 64 cannons. A battle began between the two ships. Even though the Nonsuch was a strong opponent, it eventually managed to get away. The Actif returned to Brest on May 18. Because of his brave actions in this fight, the French King gave him a special payment of 1000 Livres (an old French currency).
Rising Through the Ranks
Jean de Brun de Boades continued to serve with distinction. On August 20, 1784, he was promoted to a very high rank: Chef d'Escadre. This title is similar to a Rear Admiral in today's navies, meaning he was in charge of a whole squadron of ships.
A Family of Sailors
Jean de Brun de Boades wasn't the only sailor in his family. His nephew, known as the Chevalier de Boades, also served in the French Navy. The Chevalier commanded a frigate called the Magicienne. Sadly, he was badly wounded during the important Battle of the Chesapeake. At that battle, he was commanding another 64-gun ship, the Triton, and he later died from his injuries.
