Louis Édouard Bouët-Willaumez, who in 1848 becomes…
1848 CE
Louis Édouard Bouët-Willaumez, who in 1848 becomes commander of the Naval Division of the African Coast, on the frigate Pénélope, restores French sovereignty over Guinea, and is named Commander of the Légion d'honneur for courage shown during a bayonet-charge on land against rebellious tribes.
He also takes part in a diplomatic mission to negotiate the end of trade with Britain.
Bouët had been adopted by his uncle, Vice-Admiral Willaumez, whose name he had taken, in 1845, and married the daughter of Admiral Lemorant—two events that had opened a number of doors for him.
In that same year, Bouët-Willaumez had taken command of the steamship Le Caraïbe at Lorient as Flag captain to Admiral Montagniac de Rocque, and served as Commander of the Naval Division of the Western Coasts of Africa.
He had served as chief of staff of a squadron of twenty-six cruisers.