kc
23-07-2007, 21:29
HMS Cornwallis (UK)
Admiral the Hon. Sir William Cornwallis, younger son of Earl Cornwallis; born 1743, died 1819. Entering the Navy in 1753, he became Post Captain in 1766. In command of the Lion, 64, he took a distinguished part in the battle of Grenada, July 6th 1779. The following year, in command of a small squadron, he fought two actions with superior French forces in the West Indies. In 1782, in command of the Canada, 74, he distinguished himself in Admiral Hood’s action off St. Kitts, and Admiral Rodney’s great victory of April 12th. In 1789 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies. He became Rear Admiral in 1793 and Vice-Admiral the following year. In June 1795, in command of a small squadron off the Penmarks he encountered a French fleet three times his own strength and successfully beat off the enemy’s attack ad made good his escape without loss-a feat, which at once stamped him as a great sea officer. Promoted to Admiral in 1799, he hoisted his flag as Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet in 1801. On the renewed outbreak of war in 1803 he at once commenced a rigorous blockade of Brest, Rochefort, Loruient, and Ferrol, which he maintained with ton determination for close on three years, when Lord St. Vincent relieved him in his command. This blockade will always rank as a very great achievement; it effectually paralysed all Napoleon’s ambitious schemes at sea, preventing the junction of the separated French fleets for the purpose of crushing once and for all the sea power of Great Britain.
Admiral the Hon. Sir William Cornwallis, younger son of Earl Cornwallis; born 1743, died 1819. Entering the Navy in 1753, he became Post Captain in 1766. In command of the Lion, 64, he took a distinguished part in the battle of Grenada, July 6th 1779. The following year, in command of a small squadron, he fought two actions with superior French forces in the West Indies. In 1782, in command of the Canada, 74, he distinguished himself in Admiral Hood’s action off St. Kitts, and Admiral Rodney’s great victory of April 12th. In 1789 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies. He became Rear Admiral in 1793 and Vice-Admiral the following year. In June 1795, in command of a small squadron off the Penmarks he encountered a French fleet three times his own strength and successfully beat off the enemy’s attack ad made good his escape without loss-a feat, which at once stamped him as a great sea officer. Promoted to Admiral in 1799, he hoisted his flag as Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet in 1801. On the renewed outbreak of war in 1803 he at once commenced a rigorous blockade of Brest, Rochefort, Loruient, and Ferrol, which he maintained with ton determination for close on three years, when Lord St. Vincent relieved him in his command. This blockade will always rank as a very great achievement; it effectually paralysed all Napoleon’s ambitious schemes at sea, preventing the junction of the separated French fleets for the purpose of crushing once and for all the sea power of Great Britain.