Collingwood, Cuthbert Collingwood, Admiral Lord

b. 1750; d.1810

British admiral, born at Newcastle. He went to sea when 11 years old, became lieutenant in 1774, was appointed commander of the Badger in 1779 and soon after post-captain of the Hichinbrook. He served under his friend, Lord Nelson, in the Spanish Main, 1780, and again in the West Indies, 1783-86. In 1793 he was captain of Rear-Admiral Bowyer's flagship, the Prince. He fought under Howe at the great battle of the Glorious First of June in 1794, and under Jervis off Cape St Vincent on 14 February 1797. His extraordinary valour and judgement in these two engagements caused him to be held in great honour by the whole fleet. In 1799 he was made vice-admiral, and from 1803 he was constantly on active service. At Trafalgar he was second in command, his vessel, the Royal Sovereign, was the first engaged, and to him much of the honour of the victory was due. On Nelson's death he took supreme command of the fleet and was raised to the peerage. For three years his fleet maintained a blockade of Cádiz and the adjoining coast.

© JM Dent/Historybookshop.com