Nelson's Right Hand Man The Life and Times of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Fremantle. ,E. J. Hounslow

A biography of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Fremantle (1765-1819). Joining the Royal Navy as a midshipman in the Hussar at the age of 11, he progressed quickly through the ranks, being promoted to lieutenant in 1782 and was given command of the sloop Spitfire in 1790. As a post-captain, Fremantle commanded the Tartar and came to the notice of Horatio Nelson during the Siege of Bastia. Further commands included the Inconstant and the Ganges at the Battle of Copenhagen. He continued to serve alongside Nelson as his companion and junior officer, taking command of the Neptune, the third in Nelson's division at the Battle of Trafalgar. Following the Battle, Fremantle towed the Victory back to Gibraltar and then spent the next five years in England serving as Member of Parliament for Sandwich and then rear-admiral before taking command of the Adriatic Fleet. Promoted to vice admiral, he became commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in 1818. He died from a sudden illness at home in 1819 leaving his widow Elizabeth (nee Wynne) and children. The text includes extracts of letters and diaries and is supported by photographic plates and a bibliography.