Samuel Pym

Sir Samuel Pym KCB (* 1778 , † October 2, 1855 in Southampton ) was a British admiral who became known through the so-called Mauritius campaign and his defeat in the sea ​​battle of Grand Port .

Early years

In 1788 Pym joined the Royal Navy as a volunteer on the frigate HMS Eurydice . His promotion to lieutenant followed over the next few years. He served on HMS Martin , HMS Babet , HMS Aimable , and in 1798 on HMS Ethalion .

In April 1804 he served on HMS Mars , since June 1804 on HMS Atlas , on which he took part in the Battle of Santo Domingo on February 6, 1806.

In October 1808, Pym took command of the 36-gun frigate HMS Sirius . With the HMS Sirius he served during the Mauritius campaign under Josias Rowley .

Mauritius campaign

From 1809 to August 1810 he was involved in the Mauritius campaign. On August 13, 1810, Pym succeeded in conquering the Île de la Passe near Mauritius . A few days later, Pym attacked the port of Grand Port, which resulted in the Naval Battle of Grand Port . A French squadron was anchored in the harbor, which Pym wanted to raise with the frigates HMS Sirius , HMS Magicienne , HMS Néréide and HMS Iphigenia . The plan failed due to the stranding of HMS Sirius and HMS Magicienne and the British squadron was destroyed. Pym was a French prisoner of war until December 1810, after the conquest of Mauritius he came before the court martial, which absolved him of all guilt.

Later service and retirement

In February 1812 he was transferred to the HMS Hannibal as commander , in May 1812 to the HMS Niemen and in 1830 to the HMS Kent . In 1837 Pym became Rear Admiral . From 1841 to 1846 he was Admiral Superintendent in Devonport . In 1847 he became Vice-Admiral and in 1851 Admiral. He died in Southampton in 1855.

Web links

• Biography (English)