|
Robert Bertie of Chislehurst in Kent was the 5th son of the Duke of Ancaster. He was Colonel of the Fusiliers during the failed attempt to relieve Minorca in 1756. This was the occasion when Admiral Byng was put on trial for treason, and sentenced to be shot. Lord Robert Bertie found himself in a difficult situation when he and the Fusiliers were in the middle of a tug-of-war between General Fowke, Governor of Gibraltar and Admiral Byng. Bertie spoke in Byng's defence, declaring that he had not seen 'any backwardness in the Admiral during the action...but he seemed to give his orders coolly and distinctly, and did not seem wanting in personal courage.' Bertie himself was accused of failing in his duty and exposing himself to criticism by defending Byng. An anonymous 35-page Letter to Lord Robert Bertie published in 1757 explains at length why he had discredited himself.
1721 Born on 14th Nov |
Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames