George Rooke

Sir George Rooke (Canterbury, 1650 † January 24th 1709), commander of English squadron, is the winner of the battles of Vigo and the military second governor of Gibraltar.

Biography

Volunteer in Royal Navy, it fought during the Third War anglo-Dutchwoman and became captain in 1673. It was named Rear-admiral in 1690, and took part in the Bataille of the course Béveziers. In May 1692 it was used under the orders as Edward Russell, being illustrated with the Bataille of Barfleur (where it arrived, during an attack of night, to set fire to six French vessels) and with the Bataille of Hougue. These feats of arms were worth to him annoblissement and a reward of 1000 pounds. In 1693 it is charged to ensure the protection of the convoy of Smyrna, that the admiral de Tourville had dispersed after the Bataille of Lagos. It was used in the English Channel and in the Mediterranean until the Paix as Ryswick (1697). In 1702 it accumulates the victorious raids at the time of the Bataille of Cadiz and the naval Bataille of Vigo. Finally it takes part with Cloudesley Shovell in the head office of Gibraltar the July 21st 1704, obtaining the title of Gouverneur of Gibraltar on July 24th. The August 13rd 1704, it launches out again to the attack of a French convoy (Bataille of Málaga), without toutetois to obtain the decision. Dissatisfied with the exit of its companies, he asks his retirement in February 1705.

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