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COLLIER, GEORGE

Collier, George

(May 11, 1738–April 6, 1795)
English Admiral

G

eorge Collier was
easily the most ef-
fective Royal Navy
commander of the Ameri-
can Revolution. He ren-
dered brilliant service on
several occasions but,
lacking patronage and po-
litical connections, never
rose far in the stodgy,
aristocrat-dominated offi-
cer corps. Following this
near-complete lack of
recognition, Collier ten-
dered his resignation in
disgust.
George Collier was
born in London on May
11, 1738, of common ori-
gin. He joined the Royal
Navy in 1751 and three
years later, by dint of
good service, received a
lieutenant’s commission.
Following several cruises
in the West Indies and elsewhere, he ad-
vanced to captain in 1762. A succession of

warship commands fol-

lowed, and in 1775 Collier

was dispatched on a se-

cret mission to North

America just prior to the

Revolutionary War. The

exact nature of this er-

rand has never been dis-

covered, but he was

knighted by King George

III as a consequence. Fur-

thermore, in May 1776 he

took command of the 42-

gun frigate HMS Rain-

bowand was dispatched

under Adm. Richard

Howefor service in Amer-

ican waters.

Collier, an officer who

exuded leadership ability,

quickly distinguished him-

self in action. In August

1776, he helped the Howe

brothers land a large

British army on Long Is-

land, New York, a force that soundly defeated

the Americans under Gen. George Washing-

George Collier

National Maritime Museum