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COMMANDER // 1742–1821

John Colpoys

admiral1 battle1 war

Lifespan

17421821

17501760177017801790180018101820French Revolutionary Wars · 1792-1802Action of 10 April 1795 — April 10, 1795 · Great Britain · French Revolutionary Wars

Active service 17951 battle across 1 war; first command at age 53.

Profile

Admiral Sir John Colpoys, was a Royal Navy officer who served in three wars but is most notable for being one of the catalysts of the Spithead Mutiny in 1797 after ordering his marines to fire on a deputation of mutinous sailors. Although this event resulted in his removal from active duty, Colpoys was a capable administrator who remained heavily involved in staff duties ashore during the Napoleonic Wars and was later a Lord of the Admiralty, Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath and Governor of Greenwich Naval Hospital.

Source · Wikipedia · Q3181258

Battles (1)

Last verified June 2026
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