Nesbit Willoughby

Sir Nesbit Josiah Willoughby (* 1777, † May 19 1849 in London) was a British admiral who became known through the so-called Mauritius campaign. The English navigator Sir Hugh Willoughby is a distant relative.

Early years

Willoughby came in 1790 in the Royal Navy, and served in the Battle of Copenhagen. In 1800, fired for insubordination by court-martial of the Royal Navy.

When war broke out in 1803 he joined as a volunteer in a squadron, which sailed to the Caribbean. Because of his bravery and dedication was restored to him his former rank.

1808 Willoughby came again before a court-martial at the Cape of Good Hope because of cruelty against his team. He was acquitted, but he was strongly encouraged to be more moderate in particular in his choice of words.

Mauritius campaign

He took the frigate HMS Nereid in 1810 at the Mauritius campaign part and was severely wounded at the Battle of Grand Port. Because less than 60 man of his 281 -strong crew were unharmed, it the nickname The Immortal Willoughby was given. The court-martial spoke to him freely because of his surrender and the surrender of the HMS Nereid to the French. But his injuries precluded a further service in the Royal Navy.

Later life

1812 Willoughby offered Russia in the war against Napoleon his services. He was taken prisoner by the French, but he managed to escape to Britain. 1827 and 1847 Sir appointed Rear- Admiral, he died in 1849 unmarried.