Details: By: Tom Pocock

William Hoste (1780-1828) entered the navy in April 1793, under the special care of Nelson, who had a lively affection for him. His career thereafter resembles the naval heroes of fiction such as Horatio Hornblower, Jack Aubrey or Nicholas Ramage. He became lieutenant in 1798, and was appointed commander of the Mutine brig after the battle of the Nile, at which he was present as lieutenant of the Theseus. In 1802 he was promoted post captain by Lord St Vincent. During all his active career, he was employed in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic and made a fortune of at least £6o,ooo by the capture of Italian and Dalmatian merchant ships. He also made many successful attacks on the French military posts on shore and his most brilliant feat was performed on the 13th of March 1811 when his outnumbered force defeated a French squadron at the Battle of Lissa.