Sir Francis Geary, 1st Baronet

Sir Francis Geary, 1st Baronet (1709 – 7 February 1796) was an officer of the Royal Navy. He served during the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War, and the American War of Independence, eventually rising to the rank of Admiral.

Family and early life Geary was born in 1709 to a family that resided at Aberystwyth in Ceredigion but that moved to England shortly after his birth. Before joining the navy, he was a noted bellringer, a member of the Ancient Society of College Youths, he participated in several early, record-breaking peals at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, London. He entered the navy in 1727, serving as a volunteer aboard HMS Revenge. He sailed with Revenge into the Baltic, as part of a squadron under Admiral Sir John Norris.

First commands Geary was promoted to command on 30 June 1742. He quickly departed on a cruise in company with , and on 20 February the two ships came across the French frigate Elephant, capturing her after a short battle. Geary took part in the capture of eight French merchants later in 1744, and took part in a court-martial aboard in February 1745. He briefly participated, but was ordered home with despatches and so did not receive a share of the rewards. He was sent to reinforce Rear-Admiral Edward Hawke in the Bay of Biscay in 1747, and spent the rest of the war there, returning in 1748.

Return to service

Admiral Sir Francis Geary, painted in 1782/3 by George Romney. He is depicted at his command at Portsmouth. Behind him are the ships of his fleet, including his flagship. The increase of tensions prior to the outbreak of the Seven Years' War led to Geary's return to service in 1755. Geary spent the rest of 1759 and some of 1760 patrolling off Ushant. After a stay in port, he put to sea again on 30 April to intercept a French squadron assembling at Rochefort for a voyage to the East Indies.

Further advances Geary was promoted to Vice-Admiral of the Blue on 21 October 1762. Increasing tensions with Spain led to his return to service and his promotion to Vice-Admiral of the Red on 17 October 1770. He retired again after the relieving of tensions led to a reduction in the navy. Though not on active service, he continued to rise through the ranks based on his seniority. He became Admiral of the Blue on 31 March 1775, and Admiral of the White on 29 January 1778. The death of Admiral Sir Charles Hardy in May 1780 led to Geary being recalled to service, despite being in poor health. Sails were sighted on 9 July, and Geary gave chase believing them to be one of the enemy fleets. It was found that they were instead an enemy merchant convoy. Geary engaged and captured twelve of the merchants, the rest escaping under cover of fog.

Retirement and death Geary returned to port in August, but was taken ill and returned to Polesden Lacey. Feeling himself unfit to retain command, he requested and received permission to resign. He was created a baronet on 17 August 1782, and died at the age of 86 on 7 February 1796.

Family and personal life Geary married Mary Bartholomew in 1747. The marriage produced two sons and three daughters. His eldest son, also named Francis, joined the army. He became a Cornet of the 16th The Queen's Lancers, but was killed in North America in an ambush in 1776. Mary died on 28 August 1778. Geary's second son, William, inherited the baronetcy on his death.