Giovan was born to Domenico and Anna Maria Salati in Malesco, Italy. He worked as a chimney sweep, but enlisted with the Grand Army of Napoleon in 1812. After the Battle of Waterloo, he was taken prisoner by the British and held on a prison barge moored at Dover, England.
Giovan made his escape the night of August 16, 1817 by "swimming" across the English Channel to Boulogne, France. As such, he (disputably) became the first person to swim the English Channel. Giovan changed his name to Jean Marie when he settled near Paris.
Giovan made his escape the night of August 16, 1817 by "swimming" across the English Channel to Boulogne, France. As such, he (disputably) became the first person to swim the English Channel. Giovan changed his name to Jean Marie when he settled near Paris.
Giovan was born to Domenico and Anna Maria Salati in Malesco, Italy. He worked as a chimney sweep, but enlisted with the Grand Army of Napoleon in 1812. After the Battle of Waterloo, he was taken prisoner by the British and held on a prison barge moored at Dover, England.
Giovan made his escape the night of August 16, 1817 by "swimming" across the English Channel to Boulogne, France. As such, he (disputably) became the first person to swim the English Channel. Giovan changed his name to Jean Marie when he settled near Paris.
Giovan made his escape the night of August 16, 1817 by "swimming" across the English Channel to Boulogne, France. As such, he (disputably) became the first person to swim the English Channel. Giovan changed his name to Jean Marie when he settled near Paris.
Inscription
Dans l'espérance de la résurrection les anciens curés de Saint-Brice
In the hope of the resurrection, the former priests of Saint-Brice
Louis SALATI +1880
Victor BORDIER +1908
PARENTS :
Julienne SALATI +1878
Jean-Marie SALATI +1879
