In 1688, Lieutenant George Byng personally carried assurances from Royal Navy captains to William of Orange after the prince landed at Torbay. His role demonstrated that fellow officers trusted him and helped William judge the Navy's willingness to change allegiance from James II. Byng then served as Edward Russell's flag captain aboard Britannia, gaining direct experience under the service's senior admiral. Political trust and professional mentorship together help explain his unusually rapid promotion.
Notable Point · 1:33:39-1:36:24
George Byng turns revolutionary trust into naval advancement
Trace Byng from carrying captains' assurances to William of Orange to serving as Russell's flag captain and rising after the Glorious Revolution.