Jules Eugène Marius Topenot ( 25 October 1881 – 9 July 1923) was a French diplomat and linguist who served in Siam (now Thailand).
Jules Eugène Marius Topenot | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 October 1881 |
| Died | 9 July 1923 (aged 41) Bangkok |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
| Years active | 1904-1923 |
| Spouse | Mme. Topenot |
| Children | 3 |
Career
editJules Eugene Marius Topenot was born on 25 October 1881, and joined the French diplomatic service as an interpreter based in Bangkok in 1904.[1] Later, he was involved in the delimitation of the Franco-Siamese frontier as a boundary commissioner for which he was awarded the Fourth Class Order of Mongkot in 1908.[2]
In 1912, he was promoted to acting consul in Ubon.[3] When the First World War broke out he travelled to France via Saigon to enlist and joined as sergeant, later being promoted to sub-lieutenant. He spent about two years on active service, was mentioned in dispatches and received the Croix de Geurre, and returned to Siam, serving as vice-consul and First Interpreter in Bangkok.[4] In 1921 he was promoted to consul, and in 1922 was appointed chargé d'affaires. The following year, he died of heart failure at the Saint Louis Hospital, Bangkok, leaving a widow and three children.[1]
Honours
editIn 1922, he was awarded the Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Death of M. Topenot". The Straits Echo (Mail Edition). 17 July 1923. p. 802.
- ^ "Siam Decorations for Boundary Commissioners". The Straits Times. 13 January 1908. p. 3.
- ^ Bangkok and Siam, directory. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. Bankok Times Press, Inc. 1914. p. 302.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ The Directory & Chronicle for China, Japan, Corea, Indo-China, Straits Settlements, Malay States, Sian, Netherlands India, Borneo, the Philippines, &c. Hongkong Daily Press Office. 1910. p. 1277.