Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald

Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald (14 December 1775 – 31 October 1860), styled Lord Cochrane between 1778 and 1831, was a politician and naval adventurer. He was one of the most daring and successful captains of the Napoleonic Wars, leading the French to nickname him "le loup des mers" ("the sea wolf"). His life and exploits served as inspiration for the naval fiction of 20th century novelists C. S. Forester and Patrick O'Brian.

Early life and career

Thomas Cochrane was the son of Archibald Cochrane, Lord Cochrane (later 9th Earl of Dundonald) and nephew of Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane. As a child he was fictitiously listed on the ship's books of the Royal Navy ship commanded by his uncle but officially joined in 1793 at the age of seventeen, upon the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars. He first served aboard HMS Hind and in 1795 was appointed acting lieutenant on HMS Thetis. The following year he was confirmed in the rank. In 1798 he transferred to HMS Barfleur. During his service on this ship he was court-martialled for being disrespectful to Lieutenant Philip Beaver.

Related Topics:
Archibald Cochrane, Lord Cochrane - Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane - Royal Navy - 1793 - French Revolutionary Wars - HMS ''Hind'' - 1795 - Lieutenant - HMS ''Thetis'' - 1798 - HMS ''Barfleur''

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In 1800 Cochrane was appointed to command the sloop HMS Speedy in which he achieved his most famous exploit, the capture of the Spanish xebec El Gamo, 32 guns and 319 men compared to Speedy's 14 guns and 54 men, on 6 May 1801. On 8 August 1801 he was promoted to the rank of Post-Captain. He served with distinction in the frigates HMS Pallas and HMS Imperieuse. On 11 April 1809 he was responsible for the destruction of much of the French fleet in the Battle of the Basque Roads at Rochefort using fire ships.

Related Topics:
1800 - HMS ''Speedy'' - Xebec - 6 May - 1801 - 8 August - Rank - Post-Captain - HMS ''Pallas'' - HMS ''Imperieuse'' - 11 April - 1809 - Battle of the Basque Roads - Rochefort - Fire ship

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