François Julien du Dresnay explained

Birth Date:28 January 1719
Birth Place:Saint-Pol-de-Léon, France
Death Place:Kerlaudy, France
Death Date:12 August 1786
Office:Governor of Isle de France and Isle Bourbon
Term Start:1768
Term End:1772
Rank:Chef d'escadre
Branch:French Navy

François-Julien du Dresnay des Roches (28 January 1719, Saint-Pol-de-LéonKerlaudy, 12 August 1786) was a French Navy officer and colonial administrator of the 18th century. Desroches Island was named in his honour.

Biography

Desroches was born third son to Marie Gabrielle Thérèse le Jar de Clesmear and to Joseph Marie du Dresnay des Roches, a Captain in the French Navy. His father died soon after he was born.

Desroches joined the Navy in 1734. He was promoted to Ensign in 1741, and to aide-major in 1751..He was knighted in the Order of Saint Louis in 1747. In 1752, he was one of the founders of the Académie de marine, of which he became assistant director in 1756. He was promoted to Captain in 1757, and given command of Dragon in 1761, part of the squadron under Blénac.

In 1768, Desroches was appointed governor of Isle de France and Isle Bourbon. He held the position until 1772, before returning to France. In 1776, he was promoted to Chef d'escadre. In 1780, Desroches married Marie Émilie de Caumont Gauville.

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