| Jean Vauquelin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 February 1728 Dieppe, Seine-Maritime, France |
| Died | 10 November 1772 (aged 44) Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France |
| Occupation | Naval Officer |
Jean Vauquelin (February 1728-10 November 1772) was a French naval officer.
Vauquelin came to Canada as part of the naval force innvolved in the Seven Years' War. He arrived in 1759 in commander of the frigate Atalante. Ensuing action involved Louisbourg and the naval battles with the British on the St. Lawrence. In 1760, he and his badly damaged ship were captured, the ship burned and Vauquelin captured by the British. His bravery had impressed his foes, who soon released him for return to France.
He is commemorated by Vauquelin Square, a small square located in Old Montreal.
Jean Vauquelin was born February 1728 at Dieppe. He was the son of a marchant marine captain. Having taken the trade at an early age with his father, he served as an officer aboard a frigate during the War of Austrian Succession. Becoming captain himself in the marchant marine in 1750, he accomplishes 21 campaigns before being recruited at the beginning of the Seven Years' War, by the commander of the navy in Le Havre to serve as an officer.
On April 26, 1757, he becomes commander of a frigate named Tourterelle and enters the Marine Royale. In February 1758, he becomes lieutenant, and is given command of the Pèlerine, a 30 cannon frigate bought by the king from a builder in Le Havre rebaptised the Aréthuse. Sent to Île Royale, he manages to enter the port of Louisbourg on June 9, overriding the navy blockade by Edward Boscawen, and takes a defensive role of Louisbourg. In July of that year, he manages to evade the blockade a second time and manages to reach France after a quick crossing of the Atlantic. His brilliant campaign is received by a letter of congratulations by the minister of defense.
Returning to Canada the following year aboard the frigate Atalante as commander, he participates in the naval operations during the Siege of Quebec 1759, and then at the Battle of Sainte-Foy, which was a French victory. In April–May 1760, while he was trying to help le chevalier de Lévis to retake the city, he is pursued by a British division. He therefore beaches and sets his frigate on fire. He is taken prisoner by the British on May 16 at Pointe-aux-Trembles. Quickly liberated, he goes back to France and is promoted to captain of a larger ship in 1761, and lieutenant in October, 1764. He is in command of the la Bricole in 1764 and la Coulisse the following year.