- Henry D'Esterre Darby
Admiral Sir Henry D'Esterre Darby, KCB, (1750-1823) was an officer in the
Royal Navy . He was the second son ofJonathan Darby IV Esq., ofLeap Castle , inKing's County, Ireland . He was the nephew ofVice Admiral George Darby . He was promoted to Captain in 1783 and had command of HMS "Bellerophon" at theBattle of the Nile in 1798.An interesting letter to Darby from Admiral Nelson, commander of the fleet at the battle, survives:
:"My Dear Darby,:"I grieve for your heavy loss of Brave fellows, but look at our glorious Victory.:"We will give you every assistance as soon as you join us, till then God Bless You.:"Ever yours faithfully,:"Horatio Nelson:"Aug 3rd 1798:"We shall both I trust soon get well."
Darby was promoted to Rear Admiral of the Blue in 1804; Rear Admiral of the White in 1805; Rear Admiral of the Red in 1808; Vice Admiral of the Blue in 1810; Vice Admiral of the White in 1811; Vice Admiral of the Red in 1814; Admiral of the Blue in 1819. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath in 1820.
References
*Cordingly, David. (2003). "The Billy Ruffian: The Bellerophon and the Downfall of Napoleon". Bloomsbury USA.
* [http://www.a2a.org.uk/search/documentxsl.asp?stylesheet=xslA2A_doc.xsl&i=0&com=1&nbKey=1&keyword=Henry+D+Esterre+ADJ1+Darby&properties=0601| Access to Archives: Darby family of London, Warbleton and Leap Castle]
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