John Montagu

John Montagu is the name of:

See also

John Montagu (colonial secretary)

John Montagu (21 August 1797 – 4 November 1853) was private secretary to the colonial secretary of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) 1834–1842 and later of Cape Colony.

Early life

Montagu was born in India, the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Montagu, and his wife Barbara, née Fleetwood. Edward Montagu died of wounds in India in 1799. John Montagu sent to England to be educated; he was taught at Cheam in Surrey, Parson's Green in Knightsbridge, and by a private tutor. In February 1814 Montagu was commissioned Ensign in the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Regiment of Foot.

Military career

Montagu fought at Waterloo, was promoted Lieutenant in November 1815, and Captain in the 64th Foot in November 1822. In 1823, having transferred to the 81st Foot and then the 40th Foot, he went to Van Diemen's Land in 1824 with Governor Arthur and became Arthur's private secretary. In 1826 he was made clerk of the Executive and Legislative Councils, but in 1829 was recalled to England to take up his military duties. In 1830 he resigned from the army and was re-appointed clerk of the councils at Hobart.

John Montagu (Royal Navy officer)

Admiral John Montagu (1719–1795) was a naval officer and colonial governor of Newfoundland.

Naval career

He was born in 1719, son of James Montagu of Lackham in Wiltshire (died 1747), and great-grandson of James Montagu of Lackham (1602-1665), third son of Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester. Montagu began his naval career in the Royal Naval Academy, Portsmouth on 14 August 1733.

He was promoted lieutenant in 1740 and served on HMS Buckingham and, in 1744, was present at the Battle off Toulon. In 1757 he was present at the execution of Admiral John Byng. Promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1770, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the North American Station from 1771 to 1774.

He was promoted Vice-Admiral in 1776 and then appointed Governor and commander-in-chief of Newfoundland. Montagu captured St. Pierre and Miquelon for the British and defended Newfoundland from both French and American privateers. By his swift actions he had prevented the French from capturing Carbonear and Harbour Grace.