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The execution of Admiral Byng by firing squad on the quarterdeck of his former flagship, 'Monarch', after he was found guilty of failing to do his best to prevent the French capture of Minorca in 1756, at the start of the Seven Years War. Byng was ordered to sail from England to Gibraltar with 10 ships to land reinforcements for the garrison. He was then to pursue the French fleet which, under the command of the Duc de Richelieu, had captured Minorca, an important British-held island. In the fortress and castle of St Philip the British commandant, General Blakeney, and a small force were besieged. Byng informed the Lords of the Admiralty of this, criticised the condition of the ships he commanded, the neglected state of the magazines and storehouses at Gibraltar, and the lack of facilities to refit the fleet for serious action.
To the left of the mast the firing party of nine marines is drawn up in three lines; to the right Admiral Byng is shown in full-dress uniform, blindfolded and kneeling. He had wanted to have his face uncovered but his friends felt eye contact might intimidate the marines and prevent them from taking proper aim. He has just dropped a handkerchief as the signal to fire. In the right foreground a man holds a scroll, probably the execution order. On the right two of the Admiral's supporters are shown in tears. One is thought to be George Lawrence, Byng's secretary.
Title
The Execution of Admiral Byng, 14 March 1757
Date
c.1760
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 34.3 x W 69.8 cm
Accession number
BHC0380
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
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