John Ashby (Royal Navy Officer) - Admiralty

Admiralty

In the battle of Beachy Head Ashby served as vice-admiral of the red, flying his flag on HMS Berwick. His conduct was praised by Queen Mary. After the battle he was named joint admiral of the fleet with Sir Richard Haddock and Sir Henry Killigrew.

At the battles of Battle of Barfleur and La Hogue he commanded HMS Victory as Admiral of the Blue. He was called before the House of Commons of England after Barfleur to give an account of why he had not done more to annihilate the French fleet. He was pardoned after he gained the support of Admiral Edward Russell.

From 1690 until his death three years later Ashby served on the Navy Board as controller of storekeepers' accounts. Ashby died on 12 June 1693 in Portsmouth and was buried at Lowestoft. In his will he left most of his possessions to his brother, and the rest to cousins and naval colleagues.