John Liddell (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Sir John Liddell (1794 – 28 May 1868) was an important Scottish doctor. He became the top doctor for the Royal Navy, leading its Medical Department. He also worked as the chief medical officer at the Royal Hospital in Greenwich.
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John Liddell was born in Dunblane, Scotland, in 1794. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After finishing his studies, he joined the Royal Navy as a doctor.
He served on a ship called HMS Asia. In 1827, he was part of the Battle of Navarino. His excellent medical preparations for this battle earned him a special award. In 1832, he was one of the first people to receive the Gilbert Blane Medal. This medal is given to naval doctors for outstanding work.
From 1827 to 1844, Liddell was the director of the Bighi Naval Hospital in Malta. During this time, he also sailed on HMS Barham. He was on board when the famous writer Sir Walter Scott traveled to Naples in 1831.
In 1844, Liddell was promoted. He became an inspector for naval fleets and hospitals. This meant he checked on medical care across the navy.
Honors and Achievements
John Liddell received many important honors for his work. In 1846, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists.
He was made a knight in 1848, which meant he could use "Sir" before his name. In 1850, he became a Companion of the Order of the Bath. This is a British award for excellent service. He was later promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1864.
Working with Florence Nightingale
In 1855, Sir John Liddell became the Director-General of the Medical Department of the Royal Navy. This was the highest medical position in the navy. His time in this role happened during the Crimean War.
During the war, he worked with Florence Nightingale. She was a famous nurse who improved hospital conditions. Liddell often talked with her about how to design hospitals better. He even asked her to visit Haslar Hospital in 1857 to give her advice. He also went with her to see the hospital in Chatham.
Later Life
Sir John Liddell passed away on May 28, 1868, at his home in London. He was buried on June 2, 1868. His grave is in the cemetery of the Greenwich Hospital, which is now called East Greenwich Pleasaunce.
In 1837, Liddell married Fanny Sconce. One of his great-grandsons was the writer Robert Liddell.
