Savage Mostyn

Vice-Admiral Savage Mostyn ( – 16 September 1757) was an officer of the Royal Navy who saw service during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. He embarked on a political career, and was a Member of Parliament, Comptroller of the Navy, and one of the Lords of the Admiralty.

Mostyn was born into a well connected family. He went to sea and quickly rose through the ranks to command his own ships. By the outbreak of the War of the Austrian Succession he was a captain, and served with several of the leading naval officers of the day in operations off the British coast, and in the Caribbean. While sailing off the French coast in 1744, Mostyn became involved in an incident which almost blighted his career. His squadron chased down several French ships, with Mostyn being close to engaging them, but considering the risks of attacking while unsupported too great, he drew away and allowed the French to escape. His actions were approved of by the Admiralty, but sensitive to criticism, Mostyn demanded a court martial, which acquitted him of blame. Public opinion was against him however, especially when it was learnt that Mostyn's powerful relations may have had a hand in influencing the court.

His naval career was largely unaffected however, and he served in several cruising squadrons and captured a number of privateers. He entered politics in 1747, representing the constituency of Weobley until his death, and was involved in the administration of the navy as Comptroller, and as a Lord of the Admiralty. He was advanced to flag rank and served in a junior role in commanding several of the fleets of the Seven Years' War, until his death in 1757.

Family and early life Savage Mostyn was born circa 1713, a younger son of Sir Roger Mostyn, 3rd Baronet, and his wife Lady Essex Finch, the daughter of Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea.

He entered Westminster School at the age of eleven in June 1725. He was appointed a lieutenant of the 60-gun on 2 March 1734. He went on to serve aboard the 100-gun during her time as the flagship of Sir John Norris, before being advanced to his own command, that of the fireship , on 3 July 1739. Duke was attached to Rear-Admiral Nicholas Haddock's fleet off Cádiz, and having impressed Haddock, Mostyn was given command of the 24-gun on 17 December 1739. The Admiralty confirmed him in his rank on 6 March 1740. By early 1745 Mostyn was cruising off Ushant with three other ships, , and . On 6 January they fell in with three French ships; Neptune, Fleuron and Mars, and chased them. Neptune and Fleuron were 74-gun ships, while Mars was a smaller vessel, a former English privateer. Mars broke away from the other two French ships, and was pursued by Captain, which captured the French ship that evening.

Shortly afterwards a pamphlet appeared, entitled An Enquiry into the Conduct of Captain Mostyn. It was anonymous, though the author was probably Admiral Vernon. Despite this response, public opinion remained against Mostyn and nearly a year after the verdict he was jeered out of Portsmouth Dockyard by workmen and sailors calling out 'All's well! there's no Frenchman in the way!' Several more privateers were taken during 1747, Triomphant on 23 June, Grand San Juan on 7 December, and the 20-gun Thétis on 9 December. Hampton Court cruised with Sir Peter Warren's fleet in 1748. Mostyn returned to active service with the outbreak of the French and Indian War, receiving a promotion to rear-admiral on 4 February 1755.