Samuel Pym

Sir Samuel Pym KCB (* 1778, † October 2, 1855 in Southampton ) was a British admiral who was known by the so-called Mauritius campaign and his defeat at the Battle of Grand Port.

Early years

1788 Pym joined the Royal Navy as a volunteer on the frigate HMS Eurydice. His promotion to lieutenant followed in the next few years. He served on HMS Martin, HMS Babet, HMS Aimable, and in 1798 HMS Ethalion.

In April 1804, he served on HMS Mars, since June 1804 on HMS Atlas, on which he took part in the Battle of Santo Domingo on 6 February 1806.

In October 1808 Pym took over command of the 36 - gun frigate HMS Sirius. With the HMS Sirius, he served during the Mauritius campaign under Josias Rowley.

Mauritius campaign

From 1809 to August 1810, he was involved in the Mauritius campaign. On August 13, 1810 Pym succeeded to conquer the Ile de la Passe at Mauritius. A few days later Pym attacked the harbor of Grand Port, resulting in the Battle of Grand Port was followed. In the harbor was a French squadron at anchor, which Pym wanted to dig with the frigates HMS Sirius, HMS Magicienne, HMS Nereid and HMS Iphigenia. The plan failed due to the stranding of HMS Sirius and HMS Magicienne and the British squadron was destroyed. Until December 1810 Pym was in French captivity, after the conquest of Mauritius, he came before the court-martial, which acquitted him of all guilt.

Later service and retirement

In February 1812 he was transferred as commander of the HMS Hannibal, in May 1812 the HMS Niemen and 1830 on the HMS Kent. 1837 Pym was Rear- Admiral. From 1841 to 1846 he was Admiral Superintendent at Devonport. In 1847 he became vice - admiral in 1851 and admiral. In 1855, he died in Southampton.