Admiral Sir John Kennedy Erskine Baird, KCB (16 September 1832 – 8 December 1908) was an officer in the Royal Navy, who is chiefly remembered for commanding the losing side in the 1888 annual naval manoeuvres.

[2][5] From 8 March 1870 he commanded the screw-corvette Juno on the China station until she paid off at Sheerness on 14 June 1873.

[2][5] Baird was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Station on 13 September 1884, and assumed command on 3 November 1884.

[2] As of June 1885, his command consisted of: Constance, Heroine, Liffey, Pelican, Sappho, Satellite, Triumph, and Wild Swan.

[2] From 17 April 1888 to 3 May 1890, Baird was commander-in-chief of the Channel Squadron, with his flag in the ironclad battleship Northumberland.

Opposing Baird was the 'Achill' fleet of 19 major warships[11] and 12 first class torpedo boats, led by Rear Admiral George Tryon, and based in Berehaven on the south-west coast of Ireland and Lough Swilly on the north coast.