John Byng Quotes

United Kingdom, Military Officer
October 29, 1704 – March, 14, 1757.

Admiral John Byng (baptised 29 October 1704 – 14 March 1757) was a Royal Navy officer who was notoriously court-martialled and shot dead by a firing squad. After joining the navy at the age of thirteen, he participated at the Battle of Cape Passaro in 1718. Over the next thirty years he built up a reputation as a solid naval officer and received promotion to vice-admiral in 1747. He also served as Commodore-Governor of Newfoundland Colony in 1742, Commander-in-Chief, Leith, 1745 to 1746 and was a member of parliament from 1751 until his death.

Falling little wind, it was five before I could form my line, or distinguish any of the enemy's motions; and could not judge at all of their force, more than by numbers, which were seventeen, and thirteen appeared large.

John Byng
- Enemy
- Judge
- Wind
I do not send their Lordships the particulars of our losses and damages by this, as it would take me much time; and I am willing none should be lost in letting them know an event of such consequence.

John Byng
- Time
- Lost

The enemy now began to appear from the mast-head.

John Byng
- Enemy
By this time it was past six, and the enemy's van and ours were at too great a distance to engage, I perceived some of their ships stretching to the northward; and I imagined they were going to form a new line.

John Byng
- Time
- Great
- Past
The next morning we saw nothing of the enemy, though we were still lying to.

John Byng
- Morning
- Enemy