DUCKWORTH, ADMIRAL SIR JOHN THOMAS, Bart., G.C.B., was a son of the Rev. H. Duckworth, rector of Fulmer, Bucks, and was born in February 1748. His family was anciently settled in Devonshire. He was sent to Eton at an early age, and entered the navy in 1759 under Admiral Boscawcn, on board the ' Namur,' and in the same year took part in two naval engagements with the French admirals De Is Clue and De Con flans. After aerviug in several ships, in 1776 ho went to America as lieutenant of the ' Diamond,' and con tinued there for three years, when he was appointed to the 'Princess Royal,' and subsequently served on the West India station. In 1793 he was attached to Lord Howe's fleet, and is mentioned with great praise in that admiral's despatches for the part lie took in the action of the 1st of June 1794, as having displayed not only great bravery but great skill in naval tactics. Having again served on the West India and Channel stations, he reduced Minorca in 1798 without the loss of a single man. In 1800 he was appointed to the command of the Leeward Isles, and in 1801 baying taken part in the reduction of the Danish and Swedish Weld India islands, was created a K.C.B.
In 1803 he was commander-in-chief at Jamaica, and blockaded the harbours of the island of St. Domingo. His success in protecting the commerce and the coasts of Jamaica was acknowledged by the House of Assembly of Jamaica, who presented him with a sword of 10001. value. In 1805, relinquishing the blockade of Cadiz in which he was engaged, be defeated the French in the bay of St.. Domingo, for which he received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament and an annuity of 10001. Having been sent out to watch the Turkish fleet, in February 1807, he forced the passage of the Dardanelles, an enter priee at once most successful and unexampled, and also most import ant in its consequences. From 1810 to 1815 he was governor and commander-in-chief of Newfoundland, when he was recalled to England and appointed governor of Plymouth. He was created a baronet in 1813, and died at Plymouth Dock, now called Dovonport, August 31st, 1817.