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Alfred Albert GervaisFrench admiral
Date of Birth: 19.06.1837
Country:  France |
Content:
- Admiral Amédée-Anatole Courbet
- Military Service
- Higher Ranks and Commands
- Mediterranean Squadron and Naval Administration
- Northern Squadron and Franco-Russian Friendship
- Vice Admiral and General Staff
- Admiral of the Fleet and Later Career
- Legacy
Admiral Amédée-Anatole Courbet
Early Life and CareerAmédée-Anatole Courbet was born in Abbeville, France, on June 16, 1827, to Étienne Auguste Courbet, a deputy. He entered the French Navy in 1852 and graduated from the École Navale in 1854.
Military Service
Courbet participated in the Crimean War (1854-1855), including the bombardment of Bomarsund, and in the Opium War in China in 1860. He became a lieutenant in 1862 and a lieutenant commander in the African squadron from 1864 to 1870. During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), he played a role in the defense of Paris.
Higher Ranks and Commands
In 1871, Courbet was promoted to captain and served in Oceania and Cochinchina (southern Vietnam). He became the French naval attaché in London in 1878 and was promoted to captain in 1879. In 1880, he commanded the Pacific Squadron. In 1882, he joined the Council on Naval Works and the Hydrographic Commission.
Mediterranean Squadron and Naval Administration
In 1884, Courbet returned to the Navy and became commander of the Mediterranean Squadron. In 1886, he was appointed Secretary and Chief of Staff in the Navy Ministry under Admiral Théophile Aube. After briefly commanding the Brest squadron, he was promoted to rear admiral on September 9, 1887, and returned as Chief of Staff to the Navy Ministry, then headed by Jules Krantz.
Northern Squadron and Franco-Russian Friendship
In December 1889, Courbet became commander of the Northern Squadron of battleships. He visited Baltic countries, receiving lavish receptions in Copenhagen and Stockholm. In 1891, he led the French ships on a visit to Kronstadt, where he was formally welcomed by the Russian government. This visit, according to the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedia, was "the first major manifestation of Franco-Russian friendship."
Vice Admiral and General Staff
On February 10, 1892, Courbet was promoted to vice admiral and appointed Chief of the General Staff in the Navy Ministry. In 1894, he commanded the Reserve Mediterranean Squadron, and from 1895 to 1896, he was Commander-in-Chief of the French Mediterranean Fleet, the highest military command in the French Navy at the time.
Admiral of the Fleet and Later Career
In 1896, Courbet was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet. He commanded exercises of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1896-1900 and the Strait Squadron in Dunkirk in 1901. From 1896, he served as General Inspector of the Navy. In October 1896, he escorted the Russian Empress during Nicholas II's visit to France. In 1897, he was elected a member of the French Academy of Military Sciences. He led the French delegation to London for Edward VII's coronation. Several streets in French cities are named after him.
Legacy
Courbet died in Paris on September 11, 1905. He was a distinguished naval officer and diplomat known for his involvement in international relations, particularly the strengthening of Franco-Russian ties.
