Byng

Byng, (1) George, Viscount Torrington, born in 1663, entered the navy in 1678. He imbibed revolutionary sympathies, and as an Orange agent was instrumental in winning over the fleet to the cause of William in 1688. He was accordingly made a post-captain at the close of that year. He commanded the Hope, 70, at the battle of Beachy Head in 1690. In 1703 he was promoted to be rear-admiral, and in the following year he commanded the attacking squadron at the capture of Gibraltar, while soon afterwards he headed a division at the battle of Malaga. For these services he was knighted. He became a vice-admiral in 1705, and in 1706 was in command at the capture of Alicant; but the great success of his career was won in 1718, when he gained the great victory over the Spaniards off Cape Passaro. For this he was created a viscount. In 1727 he was called to serve as First Lord of the Admiralty - an office which he retained until his death in 1733. (2) His fourth son, the Hon. John, was born in 1704, and, having entered the navy, rose rapidly to the rank of full admiral. In 1756, being sent to drive the French from Minorca, he was unsuccessful, and was, upon his return, brought to trial and condemned to death. In spite of recommendations to mercy, he was shot on board the Monarch at Portsmouth on March 14th, 1757. There is now little doubt that he suffered undeservedly.