Thursday 5th October 2023, at 7.30pm at the Newcastle upon Tyne Trinity House
Society Trustee Tim Gittins will examine an interesting, yet divisive character from Georgian naval history, in his talk on Admiral Sir John Orde.
Orde fell out majorly with his boss, Earl St. Vincent, believing that he had been ‘passed over’ in favour of Nelson. It was an argument he was never going to win, but insisted on carrying it to extreme lengths. Nelson’s continuing successes and popularity did not help his case. Later, at Trafalgar, Orde incorrectly guessed the actions of the French Admiral Villeneuve, positioning his own squadron accordingly and drawing the criticism both of the Admiralty and the British public.
A bit unlucky? Or a bad judge of circumstances? With strong Northumberland heritage and on paper, an arguably glittering career, we look forward to this biographical assessment of Admiral Sir John Orde.
We look forward to seeing you on 5th and please do, as usual, spread the word.
