George Rodney, 1st Baron Rodney

Common card · No. 333712

Admiral of the White George Brydges Rodney, 1st Baron Rodney, KB (1718 – 24 May 1792) was a Royal Navy officer, politician and colonial administrator. He is best known for his service in the American War of Independence, particularly his victory over the French at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. It has often been claimed that Rodney pioneered the tactic of breaking the line, though this is disputed. Rodney went to sea at the age of 14, with his first major action being the Second Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1747. He made a large amount of prize money during the 1740s, allowing him to purchase a large country estate and a seat in the British House of Commons. During the Seven Years' War, Rodney was involved in a number of amphibious operations such as the Rochefort and Le Havre raids and capture of Louisbourg. He became well known for his role in the capture of Martinique in 1762. Following the 1763 Treaty of Paris, Rodney's financial situation stagnated. He spent large sums of money...

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