Post by 575 on Oct 15, 2022 9:47:20 GMT
I was looking up the British Mediterranean Fleet Commanders for an old AH project - these seems to crop up every now and then wanting attention!
Its about Italy joining the CP in WWI from the outbreak (nothing to do with recent discussions around here) and I was rereading my writings suddenly becoming aware that might change the early days in the Med quite a lot.
This isn't about that but glancing at the list of Med Fleet Commanders my eye struck the name of Haddock - Admiral Nicolas Haddock!
Looking up the man I learned he was the third son of three - his father being Controller of the Navy Richard Haddock. Now Nicolas also fathered three sons who all died without male issue (at least leagal). At age 19 Nicolas became the commander of newly build Frigate HMS Ludlow Castle commanding which he battled French Pirates capturing two pirate ships; the prize money and investing in various trade ventures made Nicolas a rather wealthy sailor buying Wrotham Place, Kent - a small manor not unlike the one featured in Tintin but of course an English one.
The outcome of Fleet actions in the Med during 1740-1 made for his being recalled from command and apparently he became rather melancolic.
I don't think Admiral Haddock IS the ancestor of Captain Haddock but if Hergé knew of the man its a possible inspiration and if not an interesting coincidence.
Having an English Admiral the ancestor of Captain Haddock would be a nice touch in light of Belgium being defeated and occupied by Germany during 1942 when the story was published.