Born at Saint-Cannat, Bouches-du-Rhône, became one of the great seamen of the 18th century, notably as captain of a French ship during the American War, then as commander of the French fleet in the Indian Ocean, where he gloriously fought against the British in India.

In addition to his fame in battle, he was well known for the attention he gave to the condition of sailors under his command, including provisions for food and medical care. This solicitude - rare among military leaders of his time - was perhaps not unconnected with the homosexuality which he openly and serenely practiced and which he encouraged abroad the ships he commanded.

The admiral was always surrounded by handsome young sailors, "Suffren's mignons"; he encouraged homosexuality abroad his ships and favoured "cruisig and campaign marriages" facilitated by the sharing of bunks between two seamen.

Indeed he enjoyed matching up older and younger sailors, declaring that "men married to each other will behave the best in combat. They will help each other. They are always in good spirits".

A valliant seaman, he was bailiff of the Order of Malta, from what the title he is called by. He died in mysterious circustances, killed by stab wounds in the gardens of Versailles.