James Gambier

Vice-Admiral James Gambier (1723–1789) was a Royal Navy officer who served as Commander-in-Chief, North American Station. The historian David Syrett presented a study of Gambier, which presented him as corrupt and largely disliked by his fellow officers.

Naval career Gambier joined the Royal Navy in about 1740 being promoted to lieutenant in 1743. Promoted to captain, he commanded and . He was not well liked by his men and was once described as "this penurious old reptile". He retired in 1784.

Family

Gambier's nephew also became an admiral and later 1st Baron Gambier. Gambier's son, also James Gambier (1772–1844), was British consul-general to the Portuguese royal court from 1803. He followed the court's transfer to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1808, and returned to England in 1814. James Gambier the younger's illegitimate son was Royal Navy officer James Fitzjames, making him James Gambier the elder's grandson.