Louis Lhéritier

Chef de division Louis Lhéritier (17 June 1747 – 15 December 1823) was a French Navy officer who served in the American Revolutionary War and French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. He took part in the Glorious First of June and the Battle of the Raz de Sein.

Career

Early career Lhéritier joined the French Navy as a sailor in 1763, serving on the frigate Malicieuse, on Sceptre and Hirondelle the following year, before returning on Malicieuse until 1766. Promoted to helmsman, he embarked on Union in August 1766, and later on the frigates Légère and Indiscrète. Again promoted assistant pilot, he served on the fluyts Gave, Dorothée and Africain.

Lhéritier was kept as a prisoner of war in England until he was exchanged in April 1795,

On 14 March 1798, Lhéritier took command of Hercule and was tasked to cruise to Brest, departing from Lorient on the 20th. The next day, Hercule was intercepted by , which led to the Battle of the Raz de Sein. Lhéritier attempted to board Mars, and sustained himself a sabre blow to the head and had his leg injured. After a two-hour fight, Hercule was captured and Lhéritier taken prisoner again.

Exchanged again, Lhéritier was court-martialed for the loss of Hercule, and unanimously acquitted. on which he took part in Bruix' expedition of 1799. He later commanded Foudroyant from 5 May to 17 September 1803, before returning on Invincible from 23 September 1803 to 11 April 1807.

Late life From then on and until the end of the Empire, Lhéritier served at Brest harbour. At the Bourbon Restoration, he was retired with a pension and the rank of Rear-Admiral.

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