Maurice Suckling

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Captain Maurice Suckling (1726-1788) was a British Navy officer, who was instrumental in the training of the future Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Maurice Suckling was the commander of Dreadnought, 60, in action off Cape François on October 21, 1757. It was Suckling who was responsible for Nelson's early training.

Suckling was Nelson's uncle on the maternal line. Captain Maurice Suckling's sister was Catherine Suckling (1725-67), wife of Reverend Edmund Nelson. Maurice and Catherine were grandnephew and grandniece of the politician Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford.

Young Nelson was entered on the books of the Raisonnable, which was commanded by Suckling. Suckling was transferred to the Nore guardship and arranged for his nephew to sail to the West Indies in a merchantman, gaining experience of seamanship and life at sea. Suckling used his influence to have Nelson appointed to the Carcass, sailing to explore the North West passage.

Suckling became Comptroller of the Navy (chairman of the Navy Board) and his influence was able to speed young Nelson's career. Suckling's nephew Lieutenant Maurice William Suckling (1761-1820) also served with his uncle.

Suckling continued to use his influence for Nelson until his death in 1788.