The Resume

(October 29, 1704-March 14, 1757)
Born in Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom
British admiral
Court martialed for failing to 'do his utmost' to prevent the capture of Minorca by the French during the Seven Years' War
Executed by firing squad

Why he might be annoying:

He rose through the naval ranks partly due to the influence of his father, Admiral Sir George Byng.
He displayed a defeatist attitude before the Battle of Minorca.
He approached the French fleet at an angle, so his leading ships were engaged while the remainder (including Byng's flagship) were out of firing range.
His descendants unsuccessfully petitioned for a posthumous pardon (2007).

Why he might not be annoying:

He was sent to Minorca in unseaworthy vessels that were inadequately manned and the governor of Gibraltar refused to provide additional troops for the relief force, so his attitude, even if defeatist, was realistic.
The court martial did acquit him of personal cowardice.
The suspicion that the Admiralty put him on trial to cover their asses led to public protests over his execution.
His execution was satirized by Voltaire in 'Candide,' with a character observing 'In this country, it is wise to kill an admiral from time to time to encourage the others.'

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 30]
• Executed by the State
• Generals and Admirals
• I Took a Bullet
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• People with John or Mary in their Names
• Profiles 29501-29750 (Ranked: 29543)
• The Circle Of Life Comes To An End: Died On Pi Day (March 14th) (Ranked: 1757)

Year In Review:

In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 12 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2019, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 5 Votes: 80.0% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 11 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 78 Votes: 55.13% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 8 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 24 Votes: 41.67% Annoying