Friday, September 7, 2007

The Third Grandmaster of Malta.


Didier de Tholon Sainte-Jalle


From 22 November 1535 till 26 September 1536

Didier de Saint Jaille, a Frenchman, was elected as Grand Master on the 22 November 1535, while he was in France. He was renowned for his valour during the siege of Rhodes and his name was synonymous with gallantry.

He made preparations for his return but fell ill at Montpelier and died on the 26 September 1536, before reaching Malta.
During this brief reign, the Knight Jacques Pelliquen acted as Lieutenant of the order and took important decisions in the absence of the ailing Grand Master. In fact he had decided to attack the El Haid Tower near Tripoli. The attack was carried out by 700 Maltese and Calabrian soldiers with 150 Knights - led by the Knight Bottigella. During this fierce battle the Muslim Corsair Chasse-Diable was mortally wounded, his troops defeated and the attack was a complete success.

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