14 Facts About Barrington Dacres

Barrington Dacres was an officer of the Royal Navy, who saw service during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Barrington Dacres did not see action in many significant engagements, and is chiefly remembered for the accidental loss of his ship to the French, and for the unsuccessful chase of two French ships in the English Channel.

Barrington Dacres did command a number of ships of the line under several of the leading naval commanders of his time.

Barrington's brother James Richard Dacres became a vice-admiral, as did Barrington's uncle Richard Dacres, while his cousin Sydney Dacres became an admiral, and First Sea Lord.

Barrington Dacres remained in command until 27 February 1801, when he put into the Italian port of Ancona, unaware that it had been captured by the French.

Barrington Dacres was promoted to Post-Captain on 29 April 1802.

Barrington Dacres took the Culloden in pursuit, eventually closing the distance and opening fire.

The Duguay-Trouin was first to reach the safety of the port, but Barrington Dacres continued to engage the Guerriere until he was almost under the guns of the shore batteries.

Barrington Dacres eventually veered away, having inflicted considerable damage and several casualties.

Barrington Dacres remained in command of Culloden until being succeeded by Captain George Reynolds in February 1804.

Barrington Dacres was succeeded by John Hunter in August 1804.

Barrington Dacres took command of HMS Hercule, capturing a number of merchant vessels carrying sugar on 9 July 1806.

Barrington Dacres appears to have been in poor health and died at Bath, Somerset on 25 October 1806.

Barrington Dacres predeceased his father, who died in January 1810.