Jonathan Faulknor the elder

The son of a distinguished naval officer, Jonathan Faulknor continued the family tradition and forged a career in the navy.

Nevertheless, he was able to impress his superiors with his services, including his cool handling of a crisis when his ship ran aground off Cork.

He was back in command of ships during the American War of Independence, and was flag captain to Admiral Keppel at the battle of Ushant in 1778.

[1] He saw service in the Seven Years' War and on 28 September 1758 was promoted to commander and appointed to the bomb vessel HMS Furnace.

Faulknor's cool demeanour after the accident was widely praised, and Superb was safely re-floated and taken into a dockyard for repairs.

[4] The outbreak of the American War of Independence brought further opportunities for Faulknor, and he commissioned the 74-gun HMS Royal Oak in 1777.

Faulknor was commended by both Keppel and Campbell for his services during the battle, and was given the honour of bringing the despatches back to Britain.

[4][6] Faulknor was promoted to rear-admiral of the white on 24 September 1787, beginning a steady progression through the flag ranks according to his seniority.

[9] At least one of Jonathan Faulknor the younger's children also became an officer in the navy, maintaining the family's long naval tradition.

[10][11] The Gentleman's Magazine eulogised that "In his death the country has lost a most gallant and meritorious officer, and his family an excellent father and friend.