Cochrane, Thomas, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775–1860)

Scottish admiral. He commanded Chile's navy during the War of Liberation 1818–20, served in defence of Brazil's independence 1823–25, and was in the service of Greece 1827–28. Returning to the British navy, he was made an admiral in 1832.

He also served as commander-in-chief in the North American and West Indies station in 1848.

Cochrane entered the navy at the age of about 18. His brilliant service in command of the brig Speedy earned him promotion to post rank in 1801. Some years later he was elected member for Westminster in 1806, and endeavoured to reform the Admiralty. At Aix Roads in 1809 he failed in his attempt to destroy the French fleet, through the caution of his admiral, Lord Gambier. In 1814 he was expelled from Parliament and the navy on a charge of fraud and spent one year in prison, after which he went abroad.