October 31 in Scottish History

Today in 1860 saw the death of Thomas Cochrane, Earl of Dundonald, Scottish sailor, MP, and eccentric. In his first 10 years in the navy, Cochrane led a series of successful missions against the French. As an MP, he was an enthusiastic reformer and thorn in the side of the Tory and naval establishments. When his uncle was found guilty of fraud, this was used as an excuse to imprison him and to expel him from both Parliament and the navy. After his release he left Britain and took command of the Chilean navy in their battle against the Spanish, in which he was successful. He then repeated this feat for the Brazilians. Eventually, changes in government allowed him to return home where he became an admiral. His daring exploits at sea earned him the nickname, 'Sea Wolf'. A plaque commemorates Cochrane in Anstruther, Fife.

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