Sir Albemarle Bertie, 1st Baronet, English admiral (d. 1824)

Admiral Sir Albemarle Bertie, 1st Baronet (20 January 1755 – 24 February 1824), was a distinguished yet often controversial figure within the Royal Navy during a pivotal era of global conflict. His extensive career spanned critical periods, including the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars, marked by significant service alongside actions that drew considerable contemporary criticism.

Early Career and Notable Engagements

Bertie first gained significant recognition during the American Revolutionary War. He commanded HMS Arethusa, a 32-gun fifth-rate frigate, in a notable engagement on 17 June 1778. Despite facing superior French forces—specifically the 40-gun frigate Belle Poule—and ultimately having to strike his colours due to severe damage and casualties, Bertie's tenacious defence earned him commendation. This early display of bravery, even in defeat, established his reputation for courage against overwhelming odds.

Key Controversies Defining His Career

Despite his early promise, Bertie’s career was punctuated by several contentious incidents that overshadowed his achievements:

• The Glorious First of June (1794): During this monumental naval battle of the French Revolutionary Wars, Bertie commanded the 74-gun third-rate ship of the line HMS Thunderer. While the British secured a strategic victory, Bertie faced considerable criticism for his perceived failure to press the attack and engage the enemy closely at crucial moments. This perceived lack of aggressive action was viewed by some as hindering a more decisive British triumph, leading to questions about his tactical resolve.
• The Mauritius Campaign (1810): Perhaps the most significant controversy of his career arose during the British expedition to capture the French island of Mauritius. Commodore Josias Rowley had meticulously planned and largely executed the arduous campaign, leading the forces that had already achieved substantial progress. However, Admiral Bertie, arriving just days before the island's surrender, controversially invoked his seniority. He assumed overall command, effectively sidelining Rowley, and subsequently took the official credit for the successful capture of this strategically vital French Indian Ocean possession. This action drew widespread condemnation and significantly damaged his professional standing among his peers.

Accolades and Retirement

Despite the shadows cast by these controversies, Bertie’s long service and perceived overall contributions were ultimately recognised by the Crown. In 1813, he was honoured with a baronetcy, becoming Sir Albemarle Bertie, 1st Baronet, and was also appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB). That same year, he retired from active service, withdrawing to his country estate at Donnington, Berkshire, where he lived until his death on 24 February 1824.

Frequently Asked Questions about Admiral Sir Albemarle Bertie

• What were the main controversies surrounding Admiral Sir Albemarle Bertie's career?

  Bertie's career was marked by two primary controversies: his perceived lack of aggressive engagement with the enemy during the Glorious First of June in 1794, and his controversial decision to assume command and take credit for the capture of Mauritius in 1810, effectively sidelining Commodore Josias Rowley who had led most of the campaign.

• For what was Admiral Bertie recognised early in his career?

  He gained recognition for his tenacious, though ultimately unsuccessful, defence of HMS Arethusa against superior French forces (the Belle Poule) during the American Revolutionary War in 1778. Despite losing his ship, his bravery in the face of overwhelming odds was noted.

• What honours did Sir Albemarle Bertie receive?

  Despite the controversies, for his extensive service, he was awarded a baronetcy in 1813, making him the 1st Baronet, and was also made a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KCB) in the same year.