Byng, Admiral John

People > Byng, Admiral John

Admiral John Byng

John Byng was born in Southill, Bedfordshire, the fourth son of George Byng, Lord Torrington. He entered the Navy in March 1718 at the age of 14. He advanced well, becoming Rear-Admiral of the Mediterranean Fleet in 1745, Vice-Admiral in 1747 and Admiral of the Blue in 1756.

In 1756 he was sent with a poorly equipped squadron to relieve Minorca, at that time garrisoned by the English under General Blakeney, and blockaded by the French fleet. He failed badly, largely as a result of under manning and was brought home under arrest.

Byng was acquitted of cowardice or disaffection but found guilty of neglect of duty and condemned to death. Presentations were made to the King and parliament to remit the sentence but the Ministry was determined to divert attention from their own mismanagement and sacrificed the luckless officer. The event inspired Voltaire to note in his play 'Candide' that the English found it necessary to shoot an Admiral from time to time 'in order to encourage the others'.

Further Reading:

• The martyrdom of Admiral Byng, by G. French (Maclellan, 1961)
• At 12 Mr Byng was shot, by D. Pope (Weidenfeld, 1962)
• Admiral Byng and the loss of Minorca, by B.Turnstall (Philip Allan, 1928)

Page last updated: 22nd March 2008

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