Admiral Richard Lestock was an officer in the Royal Navy, eventually rising to the rank of Admiral. He fought in a number of battles, and was a controversial figure, most remembered for his part in the defeat at the Battle of Toulon, and the subsequent court-martial.
Richard Lestock
The Battle of Toulon, also known as the Battle of Cape SiciƩ, took place between 21 and 22 February 1744 NS near the French Mediterranean port of Toulon. Although France was not yet at war with the United Kingdom of Great Britain, ships from their Levant Fleet sailed out to support a Spanish fleet, which was attempting to break through a two-year-old British naval blockade.
A Spanish illustration of the battle, Naval Museum of Madrid
British commander, Admiral Thomas Mathews, whose poor relationship with his subordinate Richard Lestock affected the battle
The British fire ship HMS Anne Galley, aflame and sinking short of her intended target, the Spanish flagship Real Felipe
Naval officers attending the 1746 court martial; note the crowds gathered to attend the proceedings, a mark of the level of public interest