25 September 1743 – 30 October 1798) was an officer of the British Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary Wars.

[4] Byard was promoted to post captain in 1783 at the end of the American Revolutionary War, and remained in service during the ten year Peace of Paris.

By 1789, he had become flag captain of the new second rate HMS Impregnable and in this role was tasked with escorting King George III and the royal party during the fleet review.

So pleased was King George III with his treatment during the day that Byard was knighted as a reward.

He died on board Foudroyant on 31 October 1798[6] and is buried at St Budeaux Church, in Plymouth.