Edward Whitaker facts for kids

Sir Edward Whitaker (born in 1660, died in 1735) was a brave officer in the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. He played an important part in the War of the Spanish Succession. He is especially remembered for his actions during the Capture of Gibraltar and the Battle of Málaga in 1704.

Early Life and Naval Career

Edward Whitaker was born in 1660. He joined the Royal Navy and quickly moved up the ranks. On October 16, 1688, he became a lieutenant on a ship called HMS Swallow. He served under a respected officer named Matthew Aylmer.

First Command and Successes

By May 15, 1690, Whitaker became captain of his very first ship, the 44-gun HMS Dover. For three years, he and his crew were very successful. They captured many French privateers, which were like private ships allowed to attack enemy ships. This brought them a lot of prize money.

In 1693, Whitaker returned to work with Admiral Aylmer. He became Aylmer's personal captain on the famous ship HMS Royal Sovereign. Between 1695 and 1696, he commanded several ships, including HMS Elizabeth and HMS St Andrew. He also had the honor of being the flag-captain for another famous admiral, Sir Cloudesley Shovell, on his ship HMS Victory.

Key Ship Commands

In 1698, Whitaker took a break from sea life. But by May 1699, he was back at sea, commanding HMS Portland. In 1702, he briefly commanded HMS Ranelagh and HMS Restoration. Soon after, he took command of HMS Dorsetshire. This ship would become very important in his career. He served with this ship as part of the fleet led by George Rooke in 1704.

Capture of Gibraltar (1704)

In 1704, Sir Edward Whitaker played a crucial role in the Capture of Gibraltar. This was a major event during the War of the Spanish Succession. Gibraltar is a very important location because it controls the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

Leading the Attack

During the attack, Whitaker was an aide-de-camp to Sir George Byng. Even though his own ship wasn't directly involved in the main fighting, Whitaker took charge of a successful attack on Gibraltar. When a Spanish gunpowder storage area exploded, it caused confusion among the attackers. Many started to retreat. It was Whitaker who bravely took command again and rallied the troops.

Two of his captains, including William Jumper, led this attack under Whitaker's direction. Jumper was later honored by having Jumper's Bastion in Gibraltar named after him. Whitaker's brother, Samuel, also took part in the attack, commanding HMS Nottingham.

Later Naval Actions

After the capture of Gibraltar, Whitaker continued to serve with distinction.

Battle of Málaga

On August 24, 1704, Whitaker was still commanding the Dorsetshire during the Battle of Málaga. This was a big naval battle, and his ship was right in the middle of the action.

Promotions and New Commands

In 1705, Whitaker commanded HMS Barfleur. In early 1706, he was knighted and became Sir Edward Whitaker. He was promoted to rear-admiral of the blue. He then commanded a group of ships in the English Channel. In April, he escorted the famous general, Duke of Marlborough, to Holland.

In 1708, with his admiral's flag on HMS Northumberland, he joined Sir John Leake in the Mediterranean Sea. There, he helped capture Minorca, another important island. He took Fort Fornelle and Fort Ciudadella. After this success, Whitaker became a vice-admiral of the blue. In November 1709, he was made vice-admiral of the white.

Sir George Byng took over as the commander in chief in the Mediterranean in January 1708, with Whitaker as his second in command. Whitaker returned to England in 1710. He took a significant role in the occupation of Dunkirk in 1712.

Retirement and Legacy

Sir Edward Whitaker retired from the navy. In 1713, he moved to a new home in Soho Square in London. He passed away on November 20, 1735, in Carshalton, Surrey, where he was also buried.

The Royal Navy honored Sir Edward Whitaker by naming two ships after him. The first was a destroyer ordered during the First World War, but it was later canceled. The second was a frigate that served during the Second World War.