“Christians Are in Danger”: French Admiral Who Rescued 4,000 Armenians During Genocide Honored in Yerevan

A moment of remembrance took place in Yerevan this week as Armenian and French officials gathered at the Armenian Genocide Memorial to unveil a plaque honoring French Vice-Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet—a man whose bravery saved thousands of Armenian lives during one of the darkest chapters in history.

The plaque was added to the memorial wall to recognize Admiral du Fournet's heroic efforts in 1915, when he rescued over 4,000 Armenians from certain death on the cliffs of Musa Dagh, now part of modern-day southeastern Turkey.

This emotional tribute was attended by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and the French ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies. The moment was more than symbolic—it was a heartfelt reminder that humanity, courage, and moral action matter, even in the face of genocide.

The Story of Musa Dagh: A Struggle for Survival

During the Armenian Genocide of 1915, Ottoman authorities ordered thousands of Armenians living in six villages around Musa Dagh (Mount Moses) to prepare for forced deportation. Knowing that deportation meant death, the villagers—around 5,000 men, women, and children—chose to resist. They climbed the mountain and defended themselves for 53 days, hoping someone would see their plea for help.

They raised two makeshift flags made from bedsheets—one bearing a red cross, the other reading “Christians are in danger.” They lit fires at night to signal ships at sea.

Their cry did not go unanswered.

On September 12, 1915, Admiral du Fournet, commanding the French cruiser Le Guichen, spotted their signs and made a bold decision. Without waiting for official approval, he launched a rescue mission. Along with four other French warships—L’Amiral Charner, Le Desaix, La Foudre, and Le D’Estrées—he evacuated 4,058 Armenians, including 1,563 children.

As he later wrote in his diary, “I realized that we had to help these miserable people.” The French Third Fleet brought them safely to Port Said, Egypt, one day later. By the time the French government responded to du Fournet’s emergency telegram, the rescue was already complete. Their reply simply asked, “And where is Musa Dagh?”

A Legacy of Courage

French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, standing at the memorial in Yerevan, praised the admiral’s actions as a sign of moral clarity during the chaos of World War I.

“This ceremony pays tribute not only to Admiral du Fournet and the brave sailors of the French fleet, but also to the resistance of the Armenians of Musa Dagh and the loyalty of their descendants,” Barrot said.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan added that the plaque is not just a reminder of history—it’s a message for the future.

“The history of the Genocide is a history of tragedy, but also of hope. Du Fournet and others who saved Armenians did so by risking their lives and careers. This makes us believe in humanity,” he said. “His action is a true demonstration of leadership.”

Mirzoyan shared that the moment was deeply personal for him. Before entering politics, he had studied the Armenian Genocide in detail, especially the stories of those who stood up for justice—missionaries, diplomats, soldiers like Admiral du Fournet, and everyday people who refused to stay silent.

France and Armenia: A Lasting Bond

This act of remembrance comes at a time of deepening ties between Armenia and France. Minister Barrot’s visit also included meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and participation in the Yerevan Dialogue 2025 international conference.

France has long been one of the strongest voices for Armenian rights on the global stage. The country not only gave refuge to thousands of Genocide survivors but continues to stand with Armenia during ongoing challenges today.

As Armenia remembers its past, it is also building bridges with allies who helped carry its people through the storm.

The plaque at the Armenian Genocide Memorial is more than a piece of metal. It’s a permanent expression of gratitude to a man who made a choice when it mattered most. Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet saw suffering—and acted. His name now stands beside other heroes who refused to ignore the cries for help.

“The little Musaler children were passed from hand to hand over the foaming waves,” he wrote in his memoirs. “They will never know what danger they were saved from.”

Now, a century later, the people of Armenia—and Armenians around the world—remember.