18 Facts About Francis Wheler

Sir Francis Wheler was an officer of the Royal Navy who served during the Nine Years' War.

Francis Wheler went on to serve in British waters, and was knighted by King James II.

Francis Wheler remained in the navy after the Glorious Revolution and his continued good service led to the command of a squadron.

Francis Wheler fought at Beachy Head and Barfleur, and in 1692 was promoted to flag rank.

Francis Wheler took a fleet out to attack French possessions in the Caribbean and North America, but his attack on Martinique ended in failure when large numbers of the troops involved became sick.

Francis Wheler floated the idea of an attack on Quebec, but insufficient troops could be found, and an assault on Newfoundland was similarly considered but rejected after the defences were found to be too great to overcome.

Francis Wheler nevertheless received another promotion, and went out to the Mediterranean in command of a large convoy.

Francis Wheler made little attempt to engage the French warships he encountered on the voyage, but concentrated on reaching Cadiz safely.

Francis Wheler was among the dead, his body being washed up two days later.

Francis Wheler was born in 1656, a younger son of Sir Charles Wheler and his wife Dorothy, daughter of Sir Francis Bindlosse.

Torrington had however been engaged at the indecisive Battle of Bantry Bay, and returned to port before Francis Wheler could join him.

Francis Wheler's voyage was not entirely unsuccessful, for he had captured a large and valuable merchant ship bound for Brest from St Domingo.

Francis Wheler then took his fleet to Newfoundland, but there he found Placentia heavily defended, and decided against an attack.

French vessels were sighted on a number of occasions, but managed to outsail the British ships Francis Wheler sent to chase them.

Francis Wheler was reluctant to separate his squadron after the disaster that had befallen George Rooke some months previously, where part of his scattered convoy had been captured by the French.

Francis Wheler's body was washed up two days later, 'much mangled'.

In 1685 Francis Wheler married Arabella, daughter of Sir Clifford Clifton, 3rd Bt.

William's son, Francis Wheler, produced a daughter named Jane who married Henry Hood, 2nd Viscount Hood, becoming the mother of Samuel Hood, 2nd Baron Bridport.