Étienne Marc Antoine Joseph de Grasse-Limermont facts for kids
Étienne Marc Antoine Joseph de Grasse-Limermont was a French Navy officer who lived from 1757 to 1838. He was born in Toulon and passed away near there. He played a part in the American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of American Independence. Because of his service, he became a member of the Society of Cincinnati. Later, during a time of big changes in France, he supported the Royalist side and helped surrender the city of Toulon and its fleet to the British. He then worked for the British until 1814.
Quick facts for kids
Étienne Marc Antoine Joseph de Grasse-Limermont
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| Born | 21 February 1725  Oise |
| Died | 3 August 1790 (aged 65) Toulon |
| Occupation | Officer of the French Navy |
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| Rank | Gardes de la Marine (1741–), ensign (1748–), lieutenant de vaisseau (1756–), capitaine de frégate (1764–), capitaine de vaisseau (1771–), brigadier des armées navales (1776–) |
Contents
Étienne Marc Antoine Joseph de Grasse-Limermont was born into a family with a naval background. His father, also named Étienne de Grasse-Limermont, was a Captain. Young Limermont decided to follow in his father's footsteps and joined the French Navy.
He started his naval journey as a Garde-Marine on December 25, 1771. This was a rank for young officers learning the ropes. It was like being a cadet in today's navy.
American Revolutionary War
Limermont took part in the American Revolutionary War, which was a big conflict where the American colonies fought for their independence from Great Britain. France supported the Americans.
- Battle of Rhode Island (1778): He served on the frigate Aimable during this battle on August 29, 1778.
- Battle of Fort Royal (1781): On April 29, 1781, he was the captain of the 18-gun cutter Pandour. He led his ship in the Battle of Fort Royal.
- Invasion of Tobago (1781): In May 1781, he helped with the Invasion of Tobago. After the French won, he was given the important job of bringing the news of their victory back to France.
- Promotion to Lieutenant: In the same year, 1781, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
- Battle of the Saintes (1782): In April 1782, he was still in command of the Pandour and participated in the Battle of the Saintes.
Later Career and the Siege of Toulon
After the American Revolutionary War, Limermont continued his career in the French Navy.
Promotion to Captain
He was promoted to Captain in 1792. This was a significant achievement, showing his skill and experience as a naval officer. The next year, he commanded the frigate Topaze.
Siege of Toulon
During the Siege of Toulon, a very difficult time in France, Limermont made a controversial decision. He was a Royalist, meaning he supported the old monarchy (the king and queen) rather than the new revolutionary government. He helped surrender some French ships and the city of Toulon to the British forces.
After another Royalist leader, Trogoff, passed away in February, Limermont took charge of the Royalist squadron. He then sailed these ships to England.
Return to France
Limermont eventually returned to France during the Bourbon Restoration. This was a period when the monarchy was brought back to power after the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
Retirement
On July 8, 1816, he was promoted to Contre-amiral, which is a rank similar to a Rear Admiral today. He retired from the Navy the following year, in 1817.
