Admiral, Jean de Vienne, seigneur de Roulans

The bust Admiral Jean de Viennese pictured above is on display in the Galerie des Batailles, (the Gallery of Battles) in the Palace of Versailles

Jean de Vienne began his military career at the edge of 19, becoming a full fledged knight by the age of 21. In 1365 at the age of 24 he was made Captain/General of Franche-Comte France.

King Charles V chose de Vienne to become Admiral of France. Jean a master planner went about reorganizing the French Naval forces. with his great ingenuity he created what could be considered the first coast guard, formed a navigation police and started regular coast watches. One of his foresights he had was the realization that the only true way to attack England was through naval forces. He received Royal backing from King Charles to engage in a number of military operations. The Isle of Wight and southern coast of England were examined.

Admiral d Vienne fought against the Flemish from 1381-1385 during the Hundred Years War. In which he made a decisive contribution on November 27 1382 at the Battle of Roosebeke. A crucial battle that restored control of Flanders to France.

In 1385 Admiral de Vienne sailed to Scotland, under the Auld Alliance, with a fleet of 180 ships to aid the Scotts in a rebellion against the English. Conflicts between the armies over such things as language, discipline, behavior, tactics and the feeling of both sides of a lack of mutual respect led to the deterioration of the alliance

Profile structured and bio compiled by: Robert Moon