Thomas Cochrane, the 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775-1860) was the most celebrated cheif of the clan and is generally known as Lord Cochrane. He joined the navy at 18 years and beccame famous when in command of a brig of 12 light guns he captured a Spanish frigate of 32 guns who's crew out numbered his by 6 to 1. He follwed this feat
with many others including defending Trinidad Castle against the The French in 1808. He was returned to Parliment and was outspoken on the Admiralty and the Commander-in chief. He was deprived of his position and seat in government when he was wrongly accused of fraud. In 1817 the Chileans invited him to command their
navy in an attempt to secure independence from Spain which was accomplished largely due to his efforts. He followed by helping the
Brazilians and the Greeks secure their independance.
He was finally exonerated of the fraud charges and
reinstated in the navy. He was made a Rear Admiral
in 1854. He promoted the use of steam warships and
other modernizing tactics and technologies and his continued attacks on incompetence and the navy hierarchy led to far reaching naval reforms. He was made a knight of the Bath and after his death in 1860 he was buried in the central nave of Westminster Abbey. His birthday is celebrated yearly in Chile.
