Edmund Affleck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Edmund Affleck
|
|
|---|---|
c. 1787
|
|
| Born | 19 April 1725 |
| Died | 19 November 1788 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | c.1737–1782 |
| Rank | Rear-Admiral of the Blue |
| Commands held | HMS Bedford |
| Battles/wars | Battle of St. Kitts Battle of the Saintes |
| Relations | Philip Affleck (younger brother) |
| Other work | MP for Colchester |
Sir Edmund Affleck (born 19 April 1725, died 19 November 1788) was a brave and skilled naval officer in the British Royal Navy. He rose through the ranks to become a Rear-Admiral. He was also given the special title of the 1st Baronet by the King for his important service.
Contents
Edmund Affleck was born on April 19, 1725. He was the ninth son of a politician named Gilbert Affleck. Edmund joined the navy when he was quite young. During the time of King George II, he served in different roles. These included lieutenant, master and commander, and post captain.
His first important command was in June 1756. He took charge of a fast 14-gun ship called HMS Albany.
Commanding HMS Bedford
In 1778, Edmund Affleck was given command of a large 74-gun ship named HMS Bedford. He briefly joined Vice-Admiral John Byron in North America. However, his ship soon needed repairs and had to return home.
The next year, Affleck was with Sir Charles Hardy. Later, he was sent to help defend Gibraltar under the command of Sir George Rodney. Affleck's ship, the HMS Bedford, was known for being very fast. It often led the attack against enemy ships. This was clear during the Battle of St Vincent in 1780. In this battle, his ship was at the front when attacking the Spanish fleet.
Key Battles and Achievements
In 1781, Edmund Affleck became a Commodore. This rank is just below an admiral. He was briefly stationed in New York. At that time, American rebels led by George Washington were threatening the city. Records show that Sir Edmund and General Washington communicated. They discussed how to treat prisoners of war.
However, it was in 1782 that Affleck truly became famous. This year was very important for the British Navy. It was a time when courage and skill in battle helped Britain regain its naval strength.
Battle of St. Kitts
Around this time, Commodore Affleck's special flag was flying on board HMS Bedford. His ship was part of the fleet in the West Indies. This fleet was led by Sir Samuel Hood.
In the Battle of St. Kitts, which was a careful battle, Affleck's ship was in the rear. This meant he faced the main attack from the French fleet. The French fleet was led by the famous Count de Grasse. Affleck's actions in this battle earned him great praise from his commander.
Sir Samuel Hood wrote in his official report: "The enemy gave the preference to Commodore Affleck, but he kept up so noble a fire, and was so well supported by his seconds, Captain Cornwallis and Lord Robert Manners, that the loss and damage sustained in those ships were very trifling, and they very much preserved the other ships in the rear." This means Affleck's ship fought so well that it protected other British ships.
Battle of the Saintes
Affleck soon had more chances to show his bravery. On April 9 and 12, 1782, he fought in more battles. These were the well-known conflicts between Rodney and Count de Grasse.
Especially in the Battle of the Saintes on April 12, Affleck showed great courage. He was bringing up the rear of the center part of the British fleet. His actions helped the British win this important battle.
Later Life and Parliament
For his great service to his country in these victories, the King gave him a special title. In 1782, he became a Baronet of Britain. Also, because of his bravery and good conduct, the people of Colchester elected him to represent them in Parliament. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) until he died.
In 1784, he was promoted to the rank of admiral. However, he never served at sea as an admiral.
In 1784, he bought a large house called Fingringhoe Hall in Essex. He passed away at his home in London on November 19, 1788.
See also
- Philip Affleck, his brother, who was also an admiral.
- HMS Affleck, a ship named after Sir Edmund Affleck.
Images for kids
-
Fingringhoe Hall, which Sir Edmund Affleck bought in 1784.
