Sir Richard Strachan, 6th Baronet
Royal Navy admiral
Admiral Sir Richard John Strachan, 6th Baronet, GCB (27 October 1760 – 3 February 1828) was a Royal Navy officer who served in the American War of Independence and French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, eventually rising to the rank of admiral. "Sir Dicky", as his friends referred to him, was the last chief of Clan Strachan. His baronetcy became dormant in 1854 as he died without a male heir.
Early life
Strachan was born in Devon on 27 October 1760, the eldest son of Lieutenant Patrick Strachan RN and a daughter of Captain Pitman RN. His uncle was Sir John Strachan, fifth baronet. Strachan entered the Royal Navy in 1772 at the age of twelve, serving first aboard HMS Intrepid. He sailed with Intrepid to the East Indies, before moving to HMS Orford, then under the command of his uncle. He went on to serve in a number of different ships on the North American Station, first aboard HMS Preston under Commodore William Hotham, followed by HMS Eagle, the flagship of Lord Howe.
Early career
Strachan went on to serve aboard HMS Actaeon off the coast of Africa, and in the West Indies. On the death of his uncle on 26 December 1777, he succeeded to the baronetcy. He was promoted to lieutenant on 5 April 1779 and was then appointed to HMS Hero in early 1781, under the command of Captain James Hawker.
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