James Mangles | |
---|---|
Born | 1786 |
Died | 18 November 1867 (aged 81) Fairfield, Topsham Road, Exeter |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | Royal Navy |
Rank | Captain |
Commands held | HMS Racoon |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Fellow of the Royal Society Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society |
James Mangles FRS, FRGS (1786 – 18 November 1867) was an officer of the Royal Navy, naturalist, horticulturalist and writer. He served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, rising to the rank of captain. In the post-war period, with his brothers Robert and George, who shared his interests in horticulture, botany and plant collection, James was actively involved in the botanical, horticultural and commercial life of early colonial Western Australia.
Mangles was the son of John Mangles (1760–1837), brother of James Mangles (1762–1838), the Member of Parliament. He entered the navy in March 1800, on board the frigate HMS Maidstone, with Captain Ross Donnelly, whom in 1801 he followed to HMS Narcissus. After active service on the coast of France, at the reduction of the Cape of Good Hope, and at the British invasions of the Río de la Plata, he was, on 24 September 1806, promoted to be lieutenant of HMS Penelope, in which, in February 1809, he was present at the reduction of Martinique.
In 1811 Mangles was appointed to HMS Boyne, and in 1812 to HMS Ville de Paris, flagship in the English Channel of Sir Harry Burrard Neale. In 1814 he was first lieutenant of HMS Duncan, flagship of Sir John Poo Beresford in his voyage to Rio de Janeiro. He was sent home in acting command of the sloop, HMS Racoon and was confirmed in the rank of captain on 13 June 1815. This was his last service afloat.