Who was Admiral Edward Vernon and what were his primary roles?

Admiral Edward Vernon was a distinguished Royal Navy officer and a politician. He served for 46 years, rising to the rank of Admiral, and was also a Member of Parliament on multiple occasions, known for his outspoken views on naval affairs.

When and where was Edward Vernon born?

Edward Vernon was born on November 12, 1684, in Westminster, London, England.

When and where did Edward Vernon die?

Edward Vernon died on October 30, 1757, at the age of 72, in Nacton, Suffolk, England.

What was Edward Vernon's nickname and how did he earn it?

Edward Vernon's nickname was "Old Grog." He acquired this moniker because he habitually wore coats made of grogram cloth, a coarse fabric.

What is the origin of the naval term 'grog'?

The term 'grog,' referring to rum diluted with water, is attributed to Admiral Edward Vernon. It derived from his nickname, 'Old Grog,' which was inspired by his preference for wearing grogram cloth coats.

What allegiance did Edward Vernon serve under?

Edward Vernon served under the allegiance of the Kingdom of England and later the Kingdom of Great Britain.

What branch of service did Edward Vernon belong to, and for how long did he serve?

Edward Vernon belonged to the Royal Navy and served for 46 years, from 1700 to 1746.

What were some of the naval commands held by Edward Vernon?

Edward Vernon commanded several ships, including HMS Dolphin, HMS Rye, HMS Association, HMS Jersey, HMS Assistance, HMS Mary, and HMS Grafton. He also served as Commander-in-chief of the Jamaica Station and the North Sea.

What major wars did Edward Vernon participate in?

Edward Vernon participated in the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of Jenkins' Ear.

What significant actions did Edward Vernon undertake during the War of the Spanish Succession?

During the War of the Spanish Succession, Edward Vernon was present at the capture of Gibraltar, the Battle of Vélez-Málaga, and the capture of Barcelona.

What were Edward Vernon's political roles?

Edward Vernon served as a Member of Parliament (MP) on three occasions, representing Penryn and Ipswich.

How did Edward Vernon's early education differ from that of typical Royal Navy officers of his time?

Edward Vernon briefly attended Westminster School, receiving a secondary education, which was unusual for Royal Navy officers of his era, most of whom had only an elementary education before going to sea.

What was Edward Vernon's role in the capture of Gibraltar in 1704?

Edward Vernon, serving as a lieutenant aboard HMS Barfleur, was present during the capture of Gibraltar in 1704.

What significant event occurred during Edward Vernon's return voyage from the Mediterranean in 1707?

During his return voyage from the Mediterranean in 1707, Edward Vernon was fortunate to escape the disaster that befell HMS Association, Admiral Cloudesley Shovell's flagship, which was wrecked off the Isles of Scilly.

What notable action did Edward Vernon take in 1710 off Cartagena?

In 1710, Edward Vernon successfully broke up a Spanish squadron off Cartagena.

When did Edward Vernon first serve as Commodore on the Jamaica Station?

Edward Vernon served as Commodore on the Jamaica Station in 1720.

What issue did Edward Vernon champion in Parliament related to a merchant seaman?

Edward Vernon took up the case of Robert Jenkins, a merchant seaman who claimed his ear had been cut off by Spanish privateers, advocating for him in Parliament.

What event triggered the War of Jenkins' Ear in 1739?

The War of Jenkins' Ear was triggered by the accumulation of Spanish-British conflicts, notably the incident involving the merchant seaman Robert Jenkins and his alleged ear mutilation by Spanish guards.

What significant Spanish colonial possession did Edward Vernon capture in 1739?

In 1739, Edward Vernon captured the Spanish colonial possession of Portobelo, Panama.

What recognition did Edward Vernon receive for the capture of Portobelo?

Following the capture of Portobelo, Edward Vernon was granted the Freedom of the City of London, and commemorative medals were produced.

How did the capture of Portobelo by Vernon compare to Admiral Hosier's earlier attempt?

Vernon's capture of Portobelo in 1739, using only six ships, was seen as expunging the failure of Admiral Hosier, who had previously blockaded the port with a larger force of 20 ships but was forbidden from firing a shot and suffered heavy losses to disease.

What was the outcome of Edward Vernon's major amphibious operation against Cartagena de Indias in 1741?

The amphibious operation against Cartagena de Indias in 1741, commanded by Edward Vernon, ended in a disastrous defeat for the British forces, despite their overwhelming numbers.

What factors contributed to the British defeat at Cartagena de Indias?

The British defeat at Cartagena de Indias was due to several factors, including disease spreading among troops, delaying tactics by the Spanish defenders, a failed assault on the city's last fortification, and bitter quarrels between British commanders like Vernon and Wentworth.

What was the scale of the British fleet involved in the attack on Cartagena de Indias?

The British fleet involved in the attack on Cartagena de Indias comprised 195 ships and approximately 30,000 men, including sailors, soldiers, and American militias.

How did the Spanish defend Cartagena de Indias against Vernon's fleet?

Cartagena de Indias was defended by approximately 3,000 men, including regular troops, militiamen, indigenous forces, and the crews of six Spanish warships, under the command of Admiral Blas de Lezo.

What happened to the British plans for the campaign after the defeat at Cartagena de Indias?

The defeat at Cartagena derailed British plans for the campaign, forcing them to concentrate on defending their own territories and discarding further large-scale offensives in the Spanish colonies in America for several decades.

What was the significance of the medals minted by the British regarding the Cartagena de Indias campaign?

The British, confident of victory, had minted medals commemorating the expected capture of Cartagena de Indias, which bore inscriptions like "British heroes took Cartagena April 1, 1741" and "Spanish pride humiliated by Vernon." These became symbols of their miscalculation after the actual defeat.

What other Caribbean operations did Vernon conduct after the failure at Cartagena?

After the failed attack on Cartagena, Vernon's expedition continued in the Caribbean, including an attempt to attack Cuba where he briefly captured Guantánamo Bay, renaming it Cumberland Bay, but ultimately abandoned the effort due to sickness and perceived ineptitude of his colleagues.

What naval innovation is Edward Vernon credited with introducing?

Edward Vernon is credited with introducing the practice of diluting sailors' rum rations with water, which became known as 'grog'.

What was the stated reason for Vernon's order to dilute rum?

Admiral Vernon's order stated that sailors' rum should be diluted with water, and that those who were 'good husbandmen' could use savings from their provisions to purchase sugar and limes to make the drink more palatable.

What was the historical context regarding scurvy and citrus juice in the Royal Navy before 1795?

Before 1795, scurvy was a debilitating disease in the Royal Navy, often misunderstood by the medical establishment as a digestive issue. While practical seamen knew citrus juice could cure it, an official daily issue of lemon juice was not introduced until 1795, and limes were substituted later when lemons became unavailable, leading to the nickname 'limeys' for the British.

What was the outcome of Edward Vernon's last operational command in 1745?

In 1745, Edward Vernon was promoted to Admiral and commanded the North Sea Fleet. However, he asked to be relieved of his command on December 1, 1745, when the Admiralty refused to grant him the status of Commander-in-Chief.

Why was Edward Vernon dismissed from the navy flag list in 1746?

Edward Vernon was dismissed from the navy flag list on April 11, 1746, after writing two pamphlets criticizing the Admiralty, which led King George II to advise his removal.

How did Edward Vernon attempt to improve naval procedures during his career?

Throughout his career, Edward Vernon worked to improve naval procedures, encouraging captains to enhance manoeuvres and gun drills, and he introduced new instructions to improve fleet flexibility in battle.

What is the connection between Edward Vernon and George Washington's estate?

George Washington's elder half-brother, Lawrence Washington, served under Admiral Edward Vernon and named his Virginia estate 'Mount Vernon' in honor of his former commander. George Washington later retained this name for the estate.

What was the significance of the 'Battle of Malaga' in Edward Vernon's early career?

Edward Vernon, as a lieutenant aboard HMS Barfleur, was present at the Battle of Málaga in 1704, a significant naval engagement during the War of the Spanish Succession.

What role did Edward Vernon play in the Siege of Barcelona in 1705?

Edward Vernon was present at the capture of Barcelona in 1705, serving aboard HMS Britannia under Admiral Cloudesley Shovell.

How did Edward Vernon's promotion to captain occur?

Edward Vernon was promoted to captain on January 22, 1706, and initially appointed to HMS Dolphin.

What was Edward Vernon's involvement in the Baltic Sea during his service?

Edward Vernon served in the Baltic Sea from 1715 to 1717 aboard HMS Assistance, and again in 1726 aboard HMS Grafton until the fleet transferred to Gibraltar.

What was the 'Patriots' view of Vernon's capture of Portobelo?

The 'Patriots,' a political faction opposed to Robert Walpole, viewed Vernon's capture of Portobelo as just retribution for Admiral Hosier's earlier failed blockade of the same port, highlighting Walpole's perceived inaction.

Who wrote the ballad 'Admiral Hosier's Ghost' and what was its purpose?

The ballad 'Admiral Hosier's Ghost' was written by Richard Glover. Its purpose was to remind Robert Walpole of his government's previous failed policy of inaction at Portobelo and to temper any self-congratulation over Vernon's success.

What was the outcome of the invasion of Cuba in 1741, in which Vernon participated?

In 1741, as part of the broader campaign, British forces including Vernon attempted to attack Cuba. Vernon captured Guantánamo Bay but ultimately abandoned the attempt on Santiago de Cuba due to sickness and other factors.

What naval innovation did Vernon implement regarding fleet handling?

Vernon introduced new instructions aimed at improving the flexibility of handling fleets in battle, which laid the groundwork for subsequent improvements in naval fighting instructions by other commanders.

What is the significance of the 'Portobello' place names in London, Dublin, and Edinburgh?

Several areas, including Portobello Road in London and Portobello, Dublin, are named after Admiral Edward Vernon's successful capture of Portobelo, Panama, in 1739.

What was the role of Thomas Gainsborough in relation to Edward Vernon?

Thomas Gainsborough painted the portrait of Admiral Edward Vernon titled 'Portrait of Edward Vernon' in 1753.

What was the nature of the disagreements between Vernon and the Admiralty that led to his dismissal?

Vernon's disagreements with the Admiralty, which he expressed in pamphlets like 'A Specimen of Naked Truth from a British Sailor,' concerned naval matters and led to his eventual dismissal from the navy flag list.

What was the composition of the British fleet during the Cartagena de Indias operation?

The British fleet for the Cartagena de Indias operation consisted of 180 ships, including three-deckers, ships of the line, frigates, and bombards, carrying approximately 15,000 sailors and 13,000 soldiers and militias.

What was the outcome of the invasion of Cuba in 1741, in which Vernon participated?

In 1741, as part of the broader campaign, British forces including Vernon attempted to attack Cuba. Vernon captured Guantánamo Bay but ultimately abandoned the attempt on Santiago de Cuba due to sickness and other factors.

What was the significance of the 'Battle of Malaga' in Edward Vernon's early career?

Edward Vernon, as a lieutenant aboard HMS Barfleur, was present at the Battle of Málaga in 1704, a significant naval engagement during the War of the Spanish Succession.

What was the outcome of the invasion of Cuba in 1741, in which Vernon participated?

In 1741, as part of the broader campaign, British forces including Vernon attempted to attack Cuba. Vernon captured Guantánamo Bay but ultimately abandoned the attempt on Santiago de Cuba due to sickness and other factors.

Edward Vernon Wiki: Admiral Edward Vernon: A Maritime Chronicle

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Biographical Overview

A Distinguished Naval Career

Admiral Edward Vernon (12 November 1684 – 30 October 1757) was a prominent British naval officer and politician. He ascended to the rank of Admiral after a distinguished 46-year service in the Royal Navy. His career was marked by significant achievements, including the capture of Portobello, Panama, during the War of Jenkins' Ear, which served to rectify the earlier failure of Admiral Hosier. However, his ambitious amphibious operation against the Spanish port of Cartagena de Indias resulted in a disastrous defeat.

Political Influence and Controversy

Beyond his naval duties, Vernon served as a Member of Parliament on three separate occasions. He was known for his vocal stance on naval matters within Parliament, which often positioned him as a controversial figure. His political activities and outspoken nature contributed to his complex public image.

The Origin of 'Grog'

Vernon is famously credited with the origin of the term "grog," referring to rum diluted with water. This practice was introduced by Vernon into his naval squadron. He was known for wearing coats made of grogram cloth, which earned him the nickname "Old Grog." This moniker was subsequently applied to the diluted rum he mandated, a measure intended to conserve provisions and improve discipline.

Key Biographical Details

Personal Information

Nickname: "Old Grog"

Born: 12 November 1684, Westminster, London, England

Died: 30 October 1757 (aged 72), Nacton, Suffolk, England

Service and Allegiance

Allegiance: Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Great Britain

Branch: Royal Navy

Years of Service: 1700–1746

Rank: Admiral

Notable Commands

HMS Dolphin, HMS Rye, HMS Association, HMS Jersey, HMS Assistance, HMS Mary, HMS Grafton. He also served as Commander-in-chief of the Jamaica Station and the North Sea.

Early Life and Entry into Service

Education and Naval Beginnings

Born in Westminster, London, Edward Vernon was the second son of James Vernon, who served as Secretary of State to William III. Unlike many of his contemporaries in the Royal Navy, who typically received only elementary education before going to sea, Vernon briefly attended Westminster School. He commenced his naval career on 10 May 1700, joining the Royal Navy as a 'Volunteer per order' aboard HMS Shrewsbury.

Naval Campaigns and Conflicts

War of the Spanish Succession

Vernon's early career saw him serve during the War of the Spanish Succession. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1702 and served aboard HMS Lennox. His ship participated in significant actions, including the capture of Gibraltar and the Battle of Málaga. He was present at the capture of Barcelona in 1705. Promoted to Captain in 1706, he commanded various vessels, including HMS Rye and HMS Jersey, serving in the Mediterranean and the West Indies, where he successfully engaged a Spanish squadron off Cartagena.

War of Jenkins' Ear

The War of Jenkins' Ear, which commenced in 1739, provided Vernon with significant opportunities. Promoted to Vice Admiral of the Blue, he commanded a squadron on the Jamaica Station. His most celebrated action was the capture of Portobelo, Panama, in November 1739, using only six ships. This victory earned him the Freedom of the City of London and inspired patriotic fervor, with places named in its honor and the composition of "Rule, Britannia!".

The Cartagena Expedition Disaster

Vernon's command in the subsequent major assault on Cartagena de Indias in 1741 proved to be a catastrophic failure. Despite a massive fleet of 186 ships and approximately 30,000 men, the British forces were repelled by a significantly smaller Spanish garrison led by Admiral Blas de Lezo. Disease ravaged the British ranks, and tactical setbacks, coupled with friction between Vernon and his land commander, General Wentworth, led to the abandonment of the siege. British losses were severe, derailing strategic objectives and impacting naval policy.

The Legacy of 'Old Grog'

Diluting the Rum

Admiral Edward Vernon's enduring fame stems significantly from his 1740 order to dilute sailors' daily rum ration with water. This practice, implemented to conserve provisions and potentially improve discipline, led to the creation of "grog." The drink was named after Vernon's distinctive grogram cloth coat, which earned him the nickname "Old Grog."

Scurvy and Citrus

While often associated with preventing scurvy, Vernon's original order did not explicitly mention citrus juice. His directive focused on diluting the rum, with the implication that sailors could use savings from provisions to purchase sugar and limes to make the drink more palatable. The widespread introduction of lemon juice as a daily ration, crucial for combating scurvy, occurred later in the Royal Navy in 1795, long after Vernon's time.

Parliamentary Career and Naval Advocacy

Voice in Parliament

Vernon's political career ran parallel to his naval service. He served as a Member of Parliament for Penryn and later for Ipswich. In Parliament, he was a vocal advocate for naval affairs, frequently challenging government policies and advocating for the interests of the navy. His outspokenness made him a notable, albeit sometimes contentious, figure in political discourse.

Naval Reforms and Innovation

Throughout his career, Vernon actively sought to improve naval procedures. He encouraged his captains to refine maneuvers and gunnery drills, contributing to advancements in fleet flexibility and combat effectiveness. His efforts laid groundwork for subsequent improvements in naval fighting instructions, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy.

Enduring Influence

Mount Vernon Connection

Admiral Vernon's influence extended even to the United States. George Washington's elder half-brother, Lawrence Washington, served under Vernon during the 1741 Caribbean campaign. In honor of his former commander, Lawrence named his Virginia estate "Mount Vernon," a name subsequently retained by George Washington and forever associated with the American presidency.

Place Names and Memory

Vernon's capture of Portobelo resonated widely, leading to the naming of several locations in his honor. Areas in London (Portobello Road), Dublin (Portobello, Dublin), and Edinburgh bear the name, commemorating his military success. His legacy is thus etched not only in naval history but also in the geography of the British Isles and beyond.

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References

Hartman, Cyril H. The Angry Admiral: The Later Career of Edward Vernon, Admiral of the White. William Heinemann Ltd. London: 1953.

Precursors of Nelson: British Admirals of the Eighteenth Century; edited by Peter Le Fevre & Richard Harding; Stackpole Books (London: 2000); Chapter 6 "Edward Vernon" pp. 151-176

Palmer, Michael A. Command of the Sea: Naval Command and Control since the Sixteenth Century. Harvard University Press. London:2005, pp. 101-104

Pack, James. Nelson's Blood: The Story of Naval Rum. Naval Institute Press. Annapolis:1982, chapter 1 "Old Grogram", pp. 1-18.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Edward Vernon Wikipedia page

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Admiral Edward Vernon

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biographical Overview 👤

⚓ A Distinguished Naval Career

🏛️ Political Influence and Controversy

🥃 The Origin of 'Grog'

Key Biographical Details ℹ️

📜 Personal Information

🇬🇧 Service and Allegiance

🚢 Notable Commands

Early Life and Entry into Service 👶

📚 Education and Naval Beginnings

Naval Campaigns and Conflicts ⚔️

🇪🇸 War of the Spanish Succession

👂 War of Jenkins' Ear

🇨🇴 The Cartagena Expedition Disaster

The Legacy of 'Old Grog' 🥃

💧 Diluting the Rum

🍋 Scurvy and Citrus

Parliamentary Career and Naval Advocacy 🏛️

🗣️ Voice in Parliament

📜 Naval Reforms and Innovation

Enduring Influence 📜

🏡 Mount Vernon Connection

🌍 Place Names and Memory

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biographical Overview

A Distinguished Naval Career

Political Influence and Controversy

The Origin of 'Grog'

Key Biographical Details

Personal Information

Service and Allegiance

Notable Commands

Early Life and Entry into Service

Education and Naval Beginnings

Naval Campaigns and Conflicts

War of the Spanish Succession

War of Jenkins' Ear

The Cartagena Expedition Disaster

The Legacy of 'Old Grog'

Diluting the Rum

Scurvy and Citrus

Parliamentary Career and Naval Advocacy

Voice in Parliament

Naval Reforms and Innovation

Enduring Influence

Mount Vernon Connection

Place Names and Memory

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice