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William BlighVice Admiral of the Royal Navy of Great Britain
Date of Birth: 09.09.1754
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Naval Service
- The Bounty Expedition
- Marriage and Return to Service
- Captain of the Bounty
- The Mutiny on the Bounty
- Remarkable Voyage in an Open Boat
- Return to England and Second Expedition
- Governor of New South Wales
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and Naval Service
William Bligh was born in Plymouth, Devon, in 1754. He joined the Royal Navy at the tender age of seven in 1761, initially serving in his hometown. He officially became a midshipman in 1771 and served on the Crescent for the next three years.
The Bounty Expedition
In 1776, Bligh was selected by Captain James Cook as master on the Resolution. He embarked on Cook's third and final Pacific expedition, during which he gathered valuable information.
Marriage and Return to Service
Bligh married Elizabeth Betham in 1781 and rejoined the Navy on the HMS Belle Poule. He later fought at the Battle of Dogger Bank under Admiral Parker and participated in the relief of Gibraltar under Lord Howe.
Captain of the Bounty
In 1787, Bligh was appointed captain of the HMAV Bounty. His mission was to acquire breadfruit plants from Tahiti and transport them to the West Indies.
The Mutiny on the Bounty
During the Bounty's journey to the West Indies, a mutiny led by Bligh's protégé Fletcher Christian broke out on April 28, 1789. Bligh and a loyal crew were cast adrift in a small boat.
Remarkable Voyage in an Open Boat
After a perilous journey around Cape Horn and the Pacific Ocean, Bligh and his companions reached Timor, having sailed nearly 4,000 miles in an open boat.
Return to England and Second Expedition
Bligh's account of the mutiny and his subsequent voyage was met with both admiration and controversy. He returned to Tahiti in 1792 to complete his mission and collected over 2,000 breadfruit plants.
Governor of New South Wales
Blai was appointed Governor of New South Wales in 1805. He faced challenges related to corruption and famine, culminating in the Rum Rebellion, which resulted in his deposition.
Later Life and Legacy
After his governorship, Bligh returned to England and served in various naval roles. He became a Vice-Admiral in 1814 and a member of the Royal Society. Bligh is remembered for his exploits in the Bounty mutiny, his remarkable voyage, and his controversial governorship.
