Admiral Byng

The Hon.ble John Byng Esq. Admiral of the Blue, ' Admiral John Byng (1704 - 1757) was appointed Commodore-Governor of the British colony of Newfoundland in 1742. He was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1745, and to Vice-Admiral in 1747. He is best known for the loss of Minorca in 1756 at the beginning of the Seven Years' War. His ships badly needed repair and he was relieved of his command before he could see to his ships or secure the extra forces he required. He was court-martialled and found guilty of failing to "do his utmost" to prevent Minorca falling to the French following the Battle of Minorca (1756). He was sentenced to death and shot by firing squad on 14 March 1757. Slight cockling to the sheet.