François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers

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François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers
February 12, 1753(1753-02-12) – August 1, 1798 (aged 45)

Place of birth	Uzès, Gard, France
Place of death	Abu Qir Bay, Egypt
Allegiance	France
Service/branch	French Royal Navy French Revolutionary Navy
Years of service	1766-1798
Rank	Vice Admiral
Battles/wars	Battle of the Nile

Vice-Admiral François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers, Comte de Brueys, (February 12, 1753 – August 1, 1798) was the French commander in the Battle of the Nile, in which the French Revolutionary Navy was defeated by Royal Navy forces under Admiral Horatio Nelson. The British victory helped to ensure their naval supremacy throughout the Napoleonic Wars.

Brueys was born in Rue Boucairie, Uzès, Gard, southern France in a house which now bears a plaque with his name. He came from the aristocracy and saw family and friends killed during the Reign of Terror. Nevertheless, he continued to serve in the Navy of Republican France. In 1793, he had his rank taken away due to his noble birth. However, he was reinstated in 1795 and then promoted to rear admiral.

He commanded the fleet from the Orient at the Battle of the Nile. During the battle, he was almost cut in half by a cannon shot, and died at his command post around 9PM [1]. His ship exploded one hour later after being on fire for some time.