Richard Edwards (Royal Navy officer, died 1795)

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Not to be confused with the earlier Royal Navy officer and Newfoundland Governor Richard Edwards (died 1773).

Richard Edwards
Richard Edwards Royal Navy Admiral by Nathaniel Dance 1780.jpg
Admiral Richard Edwards, RN, painted by Nathaniel Dance, 1780
Bornc. 1715
Died3 February 1795
Fordwich, Kent
Allegiance Kingdom of Great Britain
Service/branch Royal Navy
RankAdmiral
Commands heldNore Command

Admiral Richard Edwards (c. 1715 – 3 February 1795) naval officer and colonial governor of Newfoundland.

Naval career[]

Edwards was promoted to lieutenant in 1740 and to captain in 1753.[1] He was appointed governor of Newfoundland for his first term in 1757.[1] His main concern was defence of the colony as Britain and France were at war.[1] Edwards was re-appointed governor for a second term in 1779 and was again concerned with the colony's defences – only this time against American privateers.[1] In 1780 he formed the Newfoundland Volunteers under the command of Robert Pringle.[1] Edwards ordered the construction of Fort Townshend (see Lord Townshend) and the Quidi Vidi batteries including those at Petty Harbour.[1] Promoted vice-admiral in 1787, he became in Commander-in-Chief, The Nore in 1788.[1] He was promoted to Admiral of the Blue in 1794.[1]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Thompson, Frederic F. (1979). "Edwards, Richard". In Halpenny, Francess G (ed.). Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. IV (1771–1800) (online ed.). University of Toronto Press. Retrieved 2 January 2015.

External links[]

Political offices
Preceded by Governor of Newfoundland
1757–1759 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Newfoundland
1779–1781 		Succeeded by
Military offices
Preceded by Commander-in-Chief, The Nore
1788–1792 		Succeeded by


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