John Benbow (1653? – November 4, 1702) was an officer in the Royal Navy, rank of Admiral.
John Benbow (1653? – November 4, 1702) was an officer in the Royal Navy, eventually rising to the rank of Admiral. He achieved fame serving in the West Indies against the French during the War of the Spanish Succession, but was later involved in a notorious incident when commanding a squadron of ships in battle, when a number of his captains refused to support him. He became a popular figure, much celebrated in song, but despite his renown, many details of his life are obscure, leading to considerable debate. Benbow entered the Royal Navy on 30 April 1678, at the probable age of 25. He became master's mate aboard the 64-gun HMS Rupert under the command of Captain Arthur Herbert, whilst she was fitting out at Portsmouth. He sailed with her to the Mediterranean, where Herbert was promoted to the rank of vice-admiral whilst serving under the commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, Admiral Sir John Narborough. During this period the English fleet was often in action against the Barbary pirates that were actively preying upon European shipping. The Rupert herself captured an Algerine warship in 1678, which was later commissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Tiger Prize. Benbow distinguished himself well in a number of actions, and won Herbert's approval. On Narborough's return to England, Herbert was appointed acting commander-in-chief, and made Benbow master aboard HMS Nonsuch on 15 June 1679. The Nonsuch would remain at Tangiers and off the African coast and had a number of successive captains who would go on to achieve flag rank, including George Rooke, Cloudesley Shovell and Francis Wheler. All were impressed by Benbow, and would afterwards help to advance his career. The Nonsuch was next in action on 8 August 1681, this time against the Algerine warship, the Golden Horse. She had been engaged by HMS Adventure, under the command of Captain William Booth, and when the Nonsuch arrived on the scene the Golden Horse surrendered.
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