Estaing, Charles Hector Theodat, Comte d'Estaing (1729-1794)

French admiral. He began his career in the army and was twice captured by the British when serving in India. Appointed vice-admiral in 1778, he went to America to help the rebellious states against Britain, and in the following year took St Vincent and Grenada, and successfully repulsed an attempt by Vice-admiral John Byron to relieve the latter. D'Estaing failed to capture St Lucia and was beaten off by a strong force. He was wounded in a subsequent engagement, and returned to France, where he was eventually put to death for supporting Marie Antoinette.