Léonard-Bernard Motard

Who was Léonard-Bernard Motard?

Léonard-Bernard Motard was a French naval officer and eventually contre-amiral.

Motard enlisted in the French Navy in 1786. He was promoted to ensign in 1791, to lieutenant in 1793, and to capitaine de frégate in 1797. He then served in Brueys's general staff.

Motard helped organise the naval component of the Napoleonic Campaign in Egypt, and took part in the Battle of the Nile aboard the flagship Orient. He evacuated her before she exploded, but sustained severe injuries and was taken prisoner by the British.

After he was released, Motard served as staff officer to Ganteaume, taking part in operations in Saint Domingue.

Promoted to capitaine the vaisseau in 1803, he took command of the 32-gun Sémillante, in Linois' squadron. He took part in the Battle of Pulo Aura on 14 February 1804.

On 8 June 1806, Sémillante captured he East Indiamen Acteon, Warren Hastings and Active. On 11 November, the encountered HMS Sceptre and HMS Cornwallis; battle broke out on 13, but the British ships had to retreat.

Between 15 March and 18 March 1808, Sémillante fought a running battle with HMS Terpsichore, and escaped to Île de France.