Thomas Smith RN (abt. 1707 - 1762)

Born about 1707 in England [uncertain]

Ancestors

Died 28 Aug 1762 at about age 55 in Rockingham Hall, Hagley, Worcestershire, England

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Biography

Thomas Smith RN is Notable.

Thomas Smith, illegitimate son of Sir Thomas Litttleton and an unknown mother was born in 1707 and raised in the Littleton household, the only child of his father.^{[1] [2]}

It is not known when he first went to sea but on 6 February 1728 he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant aboard the Royal Oak by his commanding officer Sir Charles Wager. ^[2] Promoted to Captain in 1730 he served for many years in the Mediterranean mostly patrolling the seas against the Barbary Pirates. In 1740 he was transferred to the Romney and sailed back to England, then on to Newfoundland where he became Governor. He was promoted to Vice Admiral of the White in 1748. He is credited with introducing the successful system of man management known as the Divisional System.^[1]

In 1756 Thomas was made President of the Court Martial at the trial of Admiral John Byng convened aboard HMS St George on the 27th of December 1756, ^[2] with Rear Admirals Francis Holburn, Harry Norris and Thomas Brodrick and nine captains. The hearing lasted until 27 January 1757 when Byng was found guilty of not doing his utmost to relieve St Philip's Castle. His was not found guilty of cowardice or disaffection but the court had only one possible sentence under the then law, death. A strong recommendation for mercy accompanied the sentence but to no avail; Byng was shot on the quarter deck of the Monarque in Portsmouth harbour on 14 March 1757.^[3]

Ill health forced his retirement in 1757 and he died unmarried at his Rockingham Hall residence on 28 August 1762. ^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Wikipedia: Thomas Smith (Royal Navy Officer)
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Three Decks: Thomas Smith
3. ↑ History of Parliament online BYNG, Hon. John (c.1704-57), of Wrotham Park, Mdx