Félix Alexandre Jules Théroinne (8 April 1871 – 28 October 1914) was a French naval lieutenant who was best known for his service and death at the Battle of Penang during the Asian and Pacific theatre of World War I. Théroinne entered the navy at the age of 18 and quickly rose through the ranks of the hierarchy, and three years later, in 1892, he was a midshipman.

From 1897 to 1911, he successively served in the Mediterranean and Cochinchina squadrons, as well as in Brest on various ships (cruisers, avisos, submarines, etc.).

Having become a lieutenant and knight of the Legion of Honour, he left in 1912 with the destroyer Fronde, for Saigon and remained there until 1914.

Running to the sound of the cannon, Théroinne saw the corsair ship hoist the German flag and open fire in its direction.

The Emden didn't have this problem as it had 105 mm guns with a range that's largely sufficient to reach the destroyer.