John Ashby (Royal Navy officer)

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Sir John Ashby (c. 1640 – July 12, 1693) was an English Admiral during the Nine Years War, serving as one of the highest decorated flag officers of the war.

Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England around 1640, Ashby joined the Royal Navy sometime in his late teens or early twenties. In 1665, he was serving as a Lieutenant on HMS Adventure, and in 1668 Ashby was made a Captain commanding Deptford and later Defiance.

Leading the vanguard of Admiral Lord Torrington's fleet, Ashby served with distinction at the Battle of Bantry Bay on May 11, 1689. For his actions he was knighted and made Rear Admiral of the Blue later that year. Under Torrington, Ashby commanded HMS Sandwich as Vice Admiral of the Red at the Battle of Beachy Head on June 10, 1690.

After Lord Torrington was court-martialled and imprisoned in the Tower of London for his retreat at Beachy Head, Ashby became joint Admiral with Richard Craddock and Henry Killigrew. He commanded the rear English fleet as Admiral of the Blue from his flagship Royal William at the Battle of Barfleur on May 29, 1692. Ashby pursued the retreating French fleet for the next two days before withdrawing.

He later served as comptroller of the Navy storekeeper's accounts before his death in 1693.