Commodore Keppel

Admiral Keppel (1725-1786) began his career at sea with Lord Anson, accompanying him on his voyage around the world in 1740. He became one of the leading commanders of his day and a prominent figure in the administration of the Navy. He was an officer of the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War and the War of American Independence. During the final years of the latter conflict he served as First Lord of the Admiralty . In 1770 Captain James Cook named Great Keppel Island in Queensland after Admiral Keppel as he was First Lord of the Admiralty at the time.