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Marcel-Bruno GensoulFrench admiral, participant in World War II.
Date of Birth: 12.10.1880
Country:  France |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Marcel-Bruno Gensoul was born in 1880 as the youngest son of Louis Alexis Gensoul and Emma Bacqueuille. In 1898, he joined the French Navy as an aspiring officer candidate.
Naval Career
Gensoul served in the Far East on the cruisers "Chasseloup-Laubat" and "Galilée" and the battleships "Redoutable" and "Saint-Louis." He also commanded the torpedo boat "Surprise" and served as an instructor on the cruiser D'Antracastre.
World War I
During World War I, Gensoul commanded the destroyer "Fanfare" from March 1917. His service in the conflict laid the foundation for his future leadership roles.
Interwar Years
In 1919, Gensoul advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and served as an aide-de-camp to Rear Admiral Alexandre L'Herminier. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1922 and a Rear Admiral in 1932.
World War II
By the outbreak of World War II, Gensoul had ascended to the position of Vice Admiral. He commanded the French raiding force based in Brest. Following the signing of the Compiègne Armistice in 1940, he relocated the fleet to Mers-el-Kébir, where it was attacked by the British Royal Navy.
Later Years
Gensoul retired from the Navy in 1942 and passed away in Paris in 1973. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Nice.
Family
In 1906, Gensoul married Marthe Duprat. They had three children: Blanche (1907), Christiane (1911-1968), and Gisèle (1912).
Awards
Gensoul was honored with the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1939.
