David Mitchell (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
David Mitchell
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| Born | c. 1650 |
| Died | 1 June 1710 (aged 59–60) Hatfield, Hertfordshire |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of England Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1672–1710 |
| Rank | Vice admiral |
| Commands held | Ruby Elizabeth Britannia |
| Battles/wars | Third Anglo-Dutch War |
Sir David Mitchell (born around 1650 – died June 1, 1710) was a brave Scottish admiral. He was also a courtier, which means he worked closely with the royal family. He became a Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy.
Contents
A Young Sailor's Start
David Mitchell came from a family that was known for being honest, even if they weren't rich. When he was about 16 years old, his father arranged for him to become an apprentice on a trading ship. This ship sailed from Leith, a port in Scotland.
After his apprenticeship, he worked as a mate on different ships. These ships traveled across the Baltic Sea, trading goods.
In 1672, a big war started called the Third Anglo-Dutch War. David Mitchell was chosen to join the Royal Navy. He began as a midshipman on a ship called the Swallow. This ship was in the Mediterranean.
He then joined another ship, the Reserve, in 1676. On this ship, he sailed all the way to Newfoundland. He was promoted to second lieutenant in 1678. Soon after, in 1679, he became the first lieutenant on the Swiftsure.
Promotions and Challenges
Even though he wasn't promoted to captain yet, he stayed with his commander. He became the first lieutenant of the Newcastle in 1680. Later, he served on the Tyger in the Mediterranean. He returned home in 1683.
First Command and Fighting Pirates
On February 5, 1684, David Mitchell was finally promoted to captain! His first command was the Ruby. He sailed this ship to the West Indies. There, his job was to protect trading ships and chase after pirates like Joseph Bannister.
He left the Ruby in 1686. For a while, he didn't have another command. Eventually, he went to the Netherlands. He joined a group of naval officers who supported William of Orange.
The Glorious Revolution
After the Glorious Revolution, a big change in England's government, Mitchell was given command of the Elizabeth. This ship was important because it was the flagship during the Battle of Bantry Bay. It also fought in the Battle of Beachy Head.
In 1690, he was considered for promotion to admiral. He wasn't chosen that time, but he soon got command of another important ship. In 1691, he became the captain of the Britannia, which was a flagship. He commanded this ship during the famous battles of Barfleur and La Hogue.
Becoming an Admiral and Royal Service
On February 8, 1693, David Mitchell was promoted to Rear Admiral of the Blue. He raised his flag on the Essex to escort the king across to Holland. Later, he joined the main fleet, using the Duke as his flagship.
Knighted by the King
Around May 1694, King William III informally made him a knight. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. He was officially made a Knight Bachelor in London in December 1698.
Working for the Crown
Sir David Mitchell held many important positions. He was a Commissioner of the Admiralty from 1699 to 1702. This group helped manage the Royal Navy. From 1702 to 1708, he was part of the Lord High Admiral's Council. He also received royal honors, like becoming the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. This was a special role in the royal court.
Friend of Peter the Great
Because of his great knowledge of the navy, Sir David Mitchell became a close friend of Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. In 1697, Mitchell captained the ship York, which brought the Tsar to England. During the journey, Mitchell taught the Tsar about handling ships. They often spoke in Dutch, which they both knew well.
Peter the Great asked Mitchell to be his official escort and translator while he was in London. Mitchell helped the Tsar for almost six months.
