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Edward CodringtonBritish admiral.
Date of Birth: 27.04.1770
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Edward Codrington: A Renowned British Admiral
- Admiralty and Battles
- Service in the Napoleonic Wars
- Expeditionary Success and Humanitarian Efforts
- Support for Spanish Patriots
- Awards and Honors
- Leadership in the Mediterranean
- Legacy and Later Years
Edward Codrington: A Renowned British Admiral
Early Career in the Royal NavyEdward Codrington, a young lad of thirteen, embarked on his illustrious naval career in July 1783, enlisting in the Royal Navy and serving on various vessels. His early assignments included the yacht "Augusta," the frigate "Assistance," the ship "Leander," the frigate "Ambuscade," and the ships "Formidable" and "HMS Queen Charlotte."
Admiralty and Battles
On May 28, 1793, Codrington ascended the ranks to Lieutenant and was appointed to the ship "Santa Margarita." He later served on the corvette "Pegasus." On July 1, 1794, aboard the "HMS Queen Charlotte," Codrington distinguished himself in the Battle of the Glorious First of June. After the battle, he was tasked with delivering dispatches announcing the victory to the Admiralty.
On October 7, 1794, Codrington was promoted to Commander and commanded the fire ship "Comet." He received his commission as Captain on April 6, 1795, taking command of the sloop "HMS Babet." In 1795, he participated in the Battle of Groix.
Service in the Napoleonic Wars
In 1796, Codrington assumed command of the frigate "HMS Druid," patrolling the coast of Portugal. After relinquishing command in 1797, he spent several years ashore on half-pay. Upon the renewal of hostilities after the Treaty of Amiens, Codrington was appointed Captain of the ship of the line "HMS Orion" in 1803.
In the Battle of Trafalgar, Codrington led "HMS Orion" in an attack on the Spanish flagship "Principe de Asturias." Like other British captains involved in the battle, he was awarded the Gold Medal.
Expeditionary Success and Humanitarian Efforts
In November 1808, Codrington commanded the ship "Blake." In the following year, he was assigned to the Walcheren expedition. His role in breaching the Scheldt estuary on August 2 was highly praised by Lord Gardner, the commander of the expedition. Despite facing intense bombardment, Codrington successfully delivered four old Spanish ships to Menorca in August 1810 amidst challenging conditions.
Support for Spanish Patriots
In 1811, while commanding a squadron off the eastern coast of Spain, Codrington aided Spanish patriots during the Siege of Tarragona. Following the fortress's fall, he tirelessly evacuated refugees, providing them with provisions and clothing. In January 1812, he fought in the land battle of Villafranca de los Caballeros, assisted Baron d'Eroles in an attempt to recapture Tarragona, and inflicted damage on the enemy for several months.
Awards and Honors
In December 1813, Codrington was appointed Colonel of Marines. Soon after, he sailed to North America, hoisting his broad pennant aboard the frigate "Forth." On June 7, 1814, he was promoted to Rear-Admiral of the White and flew his flag on the "HSM Tonant." He earned gratitude from his superiors for his role in supplying troops during the capture of Washington and his assistance during the Baltimore campaign.
Following the Napoleonic Wars, Edward Codrington was awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
Leadership in the Mediterranean
In 1827, as Commander-in-Chief of the British Mediterranean fleet, Codrington joined forces with a French squadron to compel Ibrahim Pasha to conclude an armistice. When it was broken, Codrington led the combined British, Russian, and French fleets against the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Navarino, resulting in the destruction of the latter. He was honored with the Order of St. George (2nd Class) on November 8, 1827.
Legacy and Later Years
Legend has it that King George IV, irked by the decisive defeat of the Turco-Egyptian fleet, appended a note to the award document for Codrington's Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, stating, "I send him the Ribbon, though he deserves the Rope." Codrington continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a Vice-Admiral of the White in 1830 and an Admiral of the Blue in 1837. His distinguished naval career left an enduring legacy in British naval history.
