Nesbit Willoughby
Sir Nesbit Josiah Willoughby (born August 29, 1777 , † May 19, 1849 in London ) was a British admiral who became known through the so-called Mauritius campaign . The English navigator Sir Hugh Willoughby is a distant relative.
Early years
Willoughby joined the Royal Navy in 1790 , and served in the Battle of Copenhagen . Dismissed from the Royal Navy by court martial for insubordination in 1800 .
When the war broke out in 1803, he volunteered to join a squadron that sailed to the Caribbean . Because of his bravery and dedication, he was given back his previous rank.
In 1808 Willoughby came again before a court martial at the Cape of Good Hope for cruelty against his crew. He was acquitted, but was strongly advised to be more moderate, especially in his choice of words.
Mauritius campaign
He took part in the Mauritius campaign with the frigate HMS Néréide in 1810 and was seriously wounded in the naval battle of Grand Port . Because fewer than 60 of his 281-strong crew were unharmed, he was nicknamed The Immortal Willoughby . The court martial acquitted him for surrendering and handing over the HMS Néréide to the French. But his wounds precluded further service in the Royal Navy .
Next life
In 1812 Willoughby offered his services to Russia in the war against Napoleon. He was captured by the French, but managed to escape to Great Britain. Appointed Knight Bachelor in 1827 , Knight Commander of the Guelph Order (KCH) in 1832 and Rear Admiral in 1847, he died unmarried in 1849.
literature
- John Knox Laughton, Dictionary of National Biography about 1900: Willoughby, Nesbit Josiah
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Willoughby, Nesbit |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Willoughby, Nesbit Josiah (full name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | British military and naval officer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | August 29, 1777 |
| DATE OF DEATH | May 19, 1849 |
| Place of death | London |