Vice Admiral James R Dacres

Vice Admiral James R Dacres
Title:Vice Admiral
First name:James
Middle name(s):R
Surname:Dacres
Year elected:1828
Last year on list:1853
MembershipNaval
James Richard Dacres (22 August 1788 – 4 December 1853) was an officer of the Royal Navy who saw service during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and the War of 1812. A member of a substantial naval dynasty, he eventually rose to the rank of vice admiral, but is chiefly remembered for his engagement with the American frigate USS Constitution which saw the loss of his ship, HMS Guerriere.

Dacres remained in command aboard the Elk until being transferred to the 24-gun HMS Bacchante on 14 January 1806. While in command of her he captured the 3-gun French schooner Dauphin, crewed with 71 men, off St. Domingo on 14 February 1807. He then fell in with Captain William Furlong Wise of Mediator and together they navigated the waters around Samana and planned an attack on the fort there, which was a notorious haven for privateers. The two ships mounted a four-hour-long carronade, before storming the defenders. They captured the fort, suffering two killed and 16 wounded in the process. Dacres returned to England after this, but on his arrival in December 1807 no command could be found for him and he went on half-pay.

Yachts Owned

There were no results.

More Images