Rooke, George (1650–1709)

English admiral of the fleet. He saw service against the Dutch, and was promoted to rear-admiral and commanded the squadron sent to relieve Londonderry, Northern Ireland. In 1690 he was engaged in the battle of Beachy Head. In 1692 he took part in the battle of La Hogue and led the night attack which led to the burning of 13 French ships. In 1693 he successfully resisted an attack on his convoy by the French. In 1702, with the rank of vice-admiral, he was in command of the expedition which captured or destroyed the Spanish treasure-ships and French warships in Vigo Bay, Spain. In 1704, with Cloudesley Shovell, he captured Gibraltar and successfully beat off an attack by the French in the Battle of Málaga. Rooke was born near Canterbury, England.