Biography & Naval History

William Gough of Saint Briavels, Gloucestershire entered the Royal Navy at a young age as a Captain's Servant aboard the Falmouth. He rose to be 2nd lieutenant on the Fougueux, getting married in Minorca to Christiana Fleming, sister of army officer (and later Lt. General) Hezekiah Fleming.

In 1755 he was recalled to action, initially appointed to the Kingston, but soon transferred as 1st lieutenant on Admiral Byng's flagship the Ramillies, serving at the Battle of Minorca in 1756. Promoted to Captain, he then testified at Byng's court martial, before taking over the Penzance in 1758. Initially on the Baltic convoy run, she headed to join Lord Colville in North America in the war against the French in Quebec. Almost sinking enroute, the Penzance was patched up at Halifax, but William Gough died as she arrived off Quebec City in July 1760.

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