Sidney Smith (admiral)

Sir William Sidney Smith KCB (21 June, 1764 – 26 May, 1840) was the British admiral of whom Napoleon Bonaparte said, "That man made me miss my destiny".

Early life and career

Sidney Smith, as he always called himself, was born into a military and naval family with connections to the Pitt family. He was the second son of Captain John Smith of the Guards, and was born at Westminster. He joined the Royal Navy in 1777 and fought in the American Revolutionary War, where he saw action in 1778 against the American frigate Raleigh.

Related Topics:
Pitt - Westminster - Royal Navy - 1777 - American Revolutionary War - 1778 - Frigate - ''Raleigh''

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For his bravery under Rodney in the action near Cape St Vincent in January 1780, he was on September 25 appointed lieutenant of the 74-gun third-rate Alcide, despite being under the required age of nineteen.

Related Topics:
Rodney - Action near Cape St Vincent - 1780 - September 25 - 74-gun - Third-rate - ''Alcide''

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He distinguished himself under Admiral Thomas Graves at the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781 and under Admiral George Rodney at the Battle of the Saintes and in consequence was given his first command, the sloop Fury. He was soon promoted to captain a larger frigate, but following the peace of Versailles in 1783, he was put ashore on half pay.

Related Topics:
Thomas Graves - Battle of the Chesapeake - 1781 - George Rodney - Battle of the Saintes - Sloop - ''Fury'' - 1783

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During the peace, Smith chose to travel to France and first became involved with intelligence matters while observing the construction of the new naval port at Cherbourg. He also travelled in Spain and Morocco which were also potential enemies.

Related Topics:
France - Cherbourg - Spain - Morocco

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