Brief Biography
Didier de Tholon Sainte-Jalle was elected Grand Master in 1535 while in France.
Sources: Order of Malta: The Grand Masters; Wikipedia: Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller. Further reading.
Life and service to the Order
He prepared to travel to Malta, but illness overtook him in Montpellier and he died there in 1536 without reaching the island.
On Malta the Order developed hospitals, fortifications and a maritime presence while governing the islands. Its religious and charitable purposes continued alongside these public responsibilities.
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.
Historical context: Order of Malta, The Grand Masters; History of the Order.
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