Executed admiral's pardon sought

John Byng was found guilty of neglect of duty (pic - NMM)

The family of an admiral who was shot on the quarterdeck of his own ship 250 years ago have gone to the House of Commons to seek a pardon.

Admiral John Byng was found guilty of neglect of duty and executed in 1757 after failing to retake Menorca from the French with a small fleet.

His Bedfordshire descendants have argued that he was made a scapegoat for the Navy's inadequacies at the time.

Campaigners are handing over a petition asking the trial verdict is reviewed.

Byng is buried in a vault at All Saints Church, in Southill, Bedfordshire, where a service was held last year to mark the 250th anniversary of his death.

'Restoration of honour'

Following the service, a petition was set up by supporters.

Thane Byng, Admiral Byng's ancestral niece, said: "The fact the church has taken up this initiative is quite the most extraordinary affair. We know that it will take a long time, but those supporting the petition are determined.

"This is a good time to work towards the restoration of the honour of Admiral Byng."

The petition is to be handed to Alistair Burt, Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire, who has pledged to raise the issue in the House.

Mr Burt said: "It's clear people feel strongly that certain wrongs of the past be put right. Whether he might have been treated differently today is what this is about.

"We are asking for a review to see if the extreme punishment this man suffered was appropriate. The charge was that Byng failed in his duties.

"His supporters are entitled to their views and I am happy to receive this petition and raise the matter in Parliament."