John Cox (Royal Navy officer, died 1672) facts for kids
Sir John Cox was an important Royal Navy officer from England in the 1600s. He was known for his bravery and leadership during a time when England was often at war on the seas.
Sir John Cox joined the English Navy during a time called the English Republic. This was a period when England did not have a king. However, he continued to serve even after the king returned to power in 1660, an event known as the Restoration. At one point in his career, he was even the Governor of Chatham, a very important naval port.
Leading a Powerful Ship
During the Third Anglo-Dutch War, a big conflict between England and the Netherlands, Sir John Cox was given command of a very impressive ship. This ship was called HMS Prince. It was a huge warship with one hundred guns, known as a first-rate ship of the line. This meant it was one of the most powerful ships in the fleet.
Cox was also given two very important titles: Captain of the Fleet and he was knighted. Being knighted meant he was given the title "Sir" for his service. As Captain of the Fleet, he was a senior officer who helped manage all the ships in a large group.
The Battle of Solebay
Sir John Cox served as the Duke of York's flag captain during the Battle of Solebay. A flag captain is the captain of the ship where the admiral (or in this case, the Duke of York, who was a high-ranking commander) has his flag flying. This meant Cox was in charge of the Duke's own ship during the battle against the Dutch.
The Prince was involved in some of the heaviest fighting during the Battle of Solebay. Sadly, Sir John Cox was killed by an enemy shot while standing very close to the Duke of York. After his death, John Narborough took over command of the ship.
