Villeneuve, Pierre-Charles de (Villeneuve, Pierre-Charle de)

Villeneuve, Pierre-Charles de - Villeneuve, Pierre-Charle de (1763-1806) - French admiral. From the ancient noble family. Started service in the Marine Guard in 1778. He took part in the hostilities in the French colonies in North and South America. Since 1786 the Mediterranean. After the revolution, became the captain of the ship, but was subjected to repression of aristocratic origins. Since 1795, Mr.. in the Marine guards in Toulon. Participated in the Egyptian campaign of Napoleon, where the Battle of the Nile showed complete passivity, though, and replaced the deceased Admiral Bryue as commander of the fleet. He led the remnants of the fleet in Malta, where the British surrendered. Since 1804, Mr.. Rear Admiral. In 1805, Mr.. Commander of the fleet, providing the invasion of the British Isles. Not familiar with details of the master plan, mixed up with the sideshow and lost time, tore off the landing time. Then he was sent to relieve the Spanish squadron in Cadiz, united with that, took the fight with Nelson's fleet at Cape Trafalgar, which was defeated and captured. Was released on parole. Being completely demoralized and fearing the wrath of Napoleon for the failure of the expedition to England, and the loss of the fleet, committed suicide. Regarding suicide, some historians have expressed doubts, tk. Admiral Villeneuve died from six stab attacks.