Institution : Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation
Service provider : Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation
Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald, was a bold British naval officer known for his revolutionary spirit and unorthodox tactics. He distinguished himself during the Napoleonic Wars, but after a financial scandal that ended his career in the Royal Navy, he offered his services to the independence movements of South America, leading naval forces in Chile, Peru, and Brazil. He is considered a symbol of naval revolution and a fighter for freedom. In Greece, he was invited in 1827 to command the fleet during a critical phase of the War of Independence. However, his contribution remains controversial, as he failed in key operations such as the Battle of Analatos and the campaign in Chios. He attributed these failures to lack of funding, poor supplies, internal political disputes, and the undisciplined behavior of Greek soldiers and sailors. Nevertheless, he helped reconcile rival factions and played a role in the election of Ioannis Kapodistrias, while also strengthening the philhellenic movement and overseeing the construction of the steamship Karteria. His letters offer valuable insights into the Greek Revolution and his international connections.
