John Montagu

Admiral John Montagu (1719 – 7 September 1795) was a Royal Navy officer, politician and colonial administrator who served as the governor of Newfoundland.

Naval career He was born in 1719, son of James Montagu of Lackham, Lacock, Wiltshire (died 1747), and great-grandson of James Montagu of Lackham (1602–1665), third son of Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester. Montagu began his naval career in the Royal Naval Academy, Portsmouth on 14 August 1733.

He was promoted lieutenant in 1740 and served on and, in 1744, was present at the Battle of Toulon.

In June 1772, Montagu was involved in the Gaspee Affair as the commanding officer of Lieutenant William Duddingston, where he unsuccessfully tried to identify and have prosecuted the men who attacked Dudingston's ship, HMS Gaspee.

The Admiralty informed Montagu 4 September 1773 that as C-in-C he and Lieutenants commanding armed vessels were not able to preside at any Court Martials .

Returning to England on board HMS Captain, Montagu arrived at Spithead 1st August 1774.

He acknowledged his promotion to Rear Admiral of the Red by letter from Widley 4 April 1775 . The Admiralty informed Montagu was made Vice-Admiral of Blue 6 February 1776 and a week later he was in London to take up his commission . He was then appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Newfoundland. He was promoted to Admiral of the Blue in 1782 and Admiral of the White in 1787.