Sir George Collier, 1st Baronet
Officer during the French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Sir George Collier, 1st Baronet?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Sir George Ralph Collier, 1st Baronet, KCB (bapt. 4 June 1772[1] – 24 March 1824) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and the War of 1812. He had an eventful early life, being shipwrecked early in his career and later captured by the French. Nevertheless, he saw enough service to attract the attention of powerful patrons that secured his rise through the ranks. An officer of considerable ability, he won a noteworthy victory against a stronger French opponent, before embarking on a period of distinguished service off the Spanish and Portuguese coasts, working closely with the British generals fighting the Peninsular War, and markedly contributing to their success. His good service led to a prime posting in command of a squadron despatched to hunt down and neutralise the American super frigates during the War of 1812. He came close to capturing the USS Constitution, but lost her in circumstances that were unclear and would later return to haunt him. The years of peace that followed the end of the Napoleonic Wars saw him rewarded with a baronetcy, and he continued to serve in the navy where he was tasked with the suppression of the slave trade. The publishing of William James's account of the War of 1812, which lambasted him for incompetence and cowardice in his failure to catch the Constitution, broke his personal peace. Having failed to clear his name, and increasingly depressed by the accusations, Collier killed himself.
Sir George Collier | |
---|---|
Birth name | George Ralph Collier |
Born | 1772 London, England |
Died | 24 March 1824 (aged 51) London, England |
Allegiance | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
Service/ | Royal Navy |
Years of service | 1787–1824 |
Rank | Captain |
Commands held | HMS Victor HMS Leopard HMS Minerva HMS Surveillante HMS Leander HMS Creole |
Battles/wars | French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars War of 1812 |
Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |