Berkeley Sir William

Berkeley, Sir William, who was born in 1639, entered the navy, and attained the rank of captain in 1662. In 1665, in spite of his youth, he was appointed rear-admiral under the Duke of York, And as such behaved most gallantly in the victory over the Dutch off Lowestoft. He was at once made a vice-admiral, and in the next year led the van during the bloody action off the Goodwin in the early days of June, his flag flying in the Swiftsure, 36. In that unfortunate battle he fell, and his ship was taken by the Dutch, who, after embalming Sir William's body, chivalrously sent it to Charles II. in order to ascertain his majesty's wish as to its disposal. It was brought home, and buried in Westminster Abbey.