John Marshall (Royal Navy officer, born 1748) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Marshall
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 26 February 1748 Ramsgate, Great Britain |
| Died | 1819 (aged 71) |
| Allegiance |  Great Britain |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands held | Scarborough Diana |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War Napoleonic Wars |
John Marshall (1748 – 1819) was a brave British explorer. He sailed across the Pacific Ocean, discovering many new places. The famous Marshall Islands are even named after him!
Contents
John Marshall was born in Ramsgate, Kent, England. He started his life at sea very young. At just ten years old, he became an apprentice sailor. He spent his entire life working on ships.
Marshall was a skilled sailor and leader. He became a captain in the Royal Navy.
Exploring the Pacific
In 1788, Captain Marshall commanded a ship called the Scarborough. This ship was part of the First Fleet. This fleet took people from England to Botany Bay in New South Wales, Australia.
After this trip, he sailed from Australia to China. On this journey, he mapped islands that no one had charted before. These islands included parts of the Gilbert Islands and the Marshall Islands. He also found a new trade route to Canton (which is now Guangzhou).
Naming the Marshall Islands
John Marshall first called the islands he found "Lord Mulgrove's range." Later, another sea captain named Thomas Gilbert renamed them. He called them the "Marshall Islands" in honor of John Marshall.
Later Voyages and Challenges
Captain Marshall sailed the Scarborough again in 1790. This trip also involved taking people to Australia. However, many people on board were very sick. Sadly, many did not survive the long journey. There was also an attempt by some people to take over the ship. Because of these difficult experiences, John Marshall decided not to make any more such voyages.
Wars and Injuries
John Marshall also served during the Napoleonic Wars. These wars took place from 1803 to 1815. He was the captain of a ship named the Diana. During one battle, a French privateer (a private ship allowed to attack enemy ships) attacked his vessel. Captain Marshall fought bravely to defend his ship. He was badly hurt during this fight.
Death
John Marshall passed away in 1819. He was 71 years old. His explorations helped map important parts of the Pacific Ocean.
See also
In Spanish: John Marshall (capitán) para niños
