Thomas McWard

"When the battle is joined, we will prevail"

"Whatever the enemy is planning, it is our duty to find out"

"Give them a broadside for old England!"

"Do NOTHING to Provoke War before war is declared"

Early Life and Education
Thomas Jonathan McWard was born in the town of Manchester in January of 1721. His father, John McWard was a Captain in the Royal Navy and a member of Parliament who fought for the British in the Great Northern War. His mother, Lady Elizabeth Stuart, was the daughter of a magistrate of George I. Sadly, she died from childbirth complications a few days after Thomas's birth.

Thomas always dreamed of being a Naval sailor since he was four years old. Growing up near a wharf, he would sometimes head down to the docks and watch the ships come in. When Thomas turned sixteen, his father sent him to Oxford University where he studied law and foreign policy. He graduated in 1741. At the age of twenty, against his fathers wishes, he applied and was accepted into the Royal Navy Academy of England. He graduated from the Academy in 1744 as a Naval Navigator and Lieutenant and immediately enlisted in the War of Austrian Succession.

Navy Career
In late 1744, a then Lieutenant McWard was fighting against the Spanish at the Battle of Toulon in France. McWard was aboard the ship HMS Vanguard under the command of Admiral William Rowley. Midway into the battle, the Spanish hit and sank the Vanguard. The HMS Lynx noticed this and immediately went to rescue them. Once aboard, McWard spotted his father approaching him. Although furious at first with his son for disobeying him, John eventually gave in to Thomas's actions on the condition that he serves under him. He agreed and fought alongside him throughout 1744-45 in Portugal and the Caribbean. 

War of Austrian Succession (1744-45)
In the late spring of 1745, Thomas and his father were patrolling with their fleet in the Caribbean. In the early morning on May 21st, 1745, The Royal Navy awoke to a French fleet attacking them. They were surrounded by two French warships and two Dutch vessels. Thomas acted quickly and retreated their ship HMS Lynx away from the enemy and ported the vessel in a nearby bay.

British commander Arthur Hodge, who was governor of Anguilla at the time, ordered his troops to form into three platoons and then posted them into a well hidden trench. One of the platoons was commanded by John McWard.

Realizing the French were forming an ambush, John ordered his army of 22 to carefully advance around the ambush. During this action, John was shot in the leg by a French soldier. Thomas then acted quickly and helped his wounded father and successfully carried him through the enemy fire onto a British lifeboat.

Although they were heavily outnumbered, Thomas took his father's place in command and formed a successful counterattack causing the French to retreat back to their boats resulting in a British victory. At the age of only 24, Royal Navy Lieutenant Thomas McWard had made a name for himself saving not only his father, but the British troops as well. His father eventually recovered from his wounds and sailed back to England with his son to command a Naval post in Manchester.  

The Royal Army and The Jacobite Rising (1745-46)
On November 30th, 1745, while on a few months leave, Thomas came home to find his town under the control of Charles Edward Stuart and the Jacobites. He then discovered that his father and his naval unit had been murdered by a group of Jacobites at their naval post two days earlier. After this surprise Jacobite attack, and outranged over his father's death McWard made the decision to fight back. He met up with the Duke of Cumberland to discuss plans for revenge.

Battle of Falkirk Muir (1746)
By early January of 1746, McWard was an officer in the Royal Army. The Duke enlisted McWard as a Lieutenant and put him under the command of Lieutenant-General Henry Hawley. On January 17th, 1746 at 2:00 PM McWard spotted the Jacobites approaching Hawley's camp at Falkirk Muir. He joined Hawley and the troops at a bog and was ordered to lead a squadron to defend the British guns at the top of the hill. Minutes after the battle started, a storm struck and resulted in a supposedly Jacobite victory. However, the heavy rain and snow caused both sides confusion of the outcome of the battle. Although defeated, the battle of Falkirk Muir gave the British an advantage. The Jacobites had a "hallowed" victory due to their poor leadership which ultimately led to their defeat at Stirling Castle two weeks later.

Battle of Culloden (1746)
On April 10th, 1746, during his leave in London, McWard received a letter from Cumberland stating that the Jacobites were heading towards Culloden. Hawley and Royal Army Lieutenant McWard began making their way through the Culwhiniac Parks intending to outflank the Jacobite's right wing. Once they had led the dragoons through the Parks, McWard deployed them in two lines beneath the Jacobite guarded re-entrant. Over the next twenty minutes, Cumberland's superior artillery battered the Jacobite lines, while Charles, moved for safety out of sight of his own forces, waiting for the government forces to move out. Inexplicably, he left his forces arrayed under government fire for 30 minutes. Within one hour, the British government crushed the Scots resulting in the end of the Jacobite Rebellion. Around 1,500-2,000 Jacobites were killed or wounded and 154 were captured resulting in a British Victory. After the battle, McWard eventually returned to his Naval Unit in France in early July and remained on good terms with Cumberland.

The Raid on Lorient (1746)
In early September of 1746, a young Lieutenant Thomas McWard, had just returned from fighting in the Jacobite Rising in Scotland. On August 29th he received a letter from Admiral Lestock congratulating him for his bravery and victory at the battle of Culloden. He wrote McWard asking him to join his forces in France and help with the Raid. He met up with the Admiral in Brittany to discuss the attack. McWard was given a command to lead a squadron into the town of Lorient under the command of General James St. Clair. During the Raid of the town, St. Clair divided his troops into two squadrons, one was to head Plomeur, Brittney and the other was to head North to the town of Quimperle. McWard was to lead the squadron heading to Quimperle. The Puomeur squadron arrived safely while McWard and his men were harassed by 300 French militiamen coming from the town of Concarneau. Lieutenant McWard acted quickly and organized a successful retreat resulting in very little casualties. Impressed by this action, the Navy board promoted him to Lieutenant-Commander of the Royal Navy and Captain of the Royal Army.   

Battles of Cape Finisterre (1747)
After the British defeat at Lorient, McWard resigned from the Army as a Captain and decided to continue warfare at sea. After a few months of leave in England, the new Lieutenant-Commander was ordered to Spain to help aid Admiral of the British Fleet, George Anson at Cape Finisterre. In early May 1747, McWard was given command of the HMS Centurion and ordered to follow Ship of the line HMS Duke commanded by Anson and HMS Devonshire led by Admiral Peter Warren. McWard's ship was one of the first British ships of the line to engage in combat with the French Fleet. McWard successfully defeated half of the French fleet until two other British ships appeared to support him. The battle lasted around 5 hours and as a result, the French lost around 700 men and the British 520.

After the British victory at Cape Finisterre, the British fleet patrolled the Spanish waters for four more months. During this time, he assisted the fleet in collecting cargo and other military supplies from enemy depots. He also worked as Anson and Warren's official navigator of the Spanish coast.

In late October of 1747, British received word that another French fleet was approaching the Cape.  Admiral Edward Hawke was given command of the British fleet after Warren had fallen ill. He gave McWard the command of the sloop HMS Weazel. On October 25th, 1747 the French violently attacked the British fleet. McWard and his crew raced the Weazel toward Hawke's ship, and made a surprise attack on the French by repeatedly circling around them using explosive ammunition saving Hawke life along with the rest of the crew. In the end, the second battle of Cape Finisterre resulted in another British victory becoming "the most brilliant naval action of the war." As a result of McWards heroic military actions, Hawke promoted McWard to the Naval rank of Captain.

Post War/Member of The British Empire
When the War of Austrian Succession ended in 1748, McWard moved to Port Royal, Jamaica to start a new life for himself. He bought a small estate in the city with the money he inherited from his father. A week after residing in Port Royal, the British Government reinstated his bookkeeping job in the Naval imports office. One evening while working at his desk, he was approached by then Admiral of the Fleet, Maxamillion Phillip Beckett, son of Lord Cutler Beckett. Maxamillion persuaded the young Captain to join him and Johnny Goldtimbers, Lord of Newcastle and become a member British Empire. McWard accepted the offer.

Royal Black Guard/British Intelligence
By 1750, the ordeal of drama in The British Empire had taken it's toll on McWard. He decided to retire to his estate and take a well deserved break. One rainy evening, Pulp Daggerlord and his assistant, Lord Davy Menace came to his doorstep. Puzzled, McWard invited them in. Impressed by his victories during the war, Daggerlord persuaded him to join his team as an Admiral and teacher in The Royal Black Guard's Navy. Hesitant at first, McWard accepted the position. Over the next few months of 1750, McWard continued to train Royal Black Guard troops constantly and was beginning to wonder why he was aiding Daggerlord.

In early 1751, the Duke of Newcastle, Johnny Goldtimbers approached him and warned him that Pulp was using him to his advantage and was planning on starting a revolt against the Empire. Upon learning this, McWard took drastic action and began working as a spy for Goldtimbers. Finally, by the middle of 1751, it was clear that Daggerlord could not be trusted. He rejoined Goldtimbers, and helped the Empire achieve victory, bringing down Pulp Daggerlord.

Board of the Admiralty (1751-1754)
By mid 1751, the young Captain McWard had made a name for himself in The British Empire. That October, the Duke of Newcastle saw something in McWard's knowledge and ideas and promoted him to Rear-Admiral and eventually Third Naval Lord. Hesitant at first, McWard accepted the rank and was knighted by his majesty and the Royal Navy to join the Board of the Admiralty. To this day, he looks to the Duke of Newcastle as the father he never had before and remains a leader in the Navy. In 1752, McWard resumed his position as Major in the Royal Marines and received the promotion of Admiral in the Royal Navy.

Political Career and Governorship
When the Black Guard revolt ended in mid 1751, Thomas lived in isolation at his estate. He felt that he had betrayed his country and hardly ever went outside. But this was not the case. By 1752, the Empire encouraged him to accept his heroic actions and come out of the shadows. In early 1752 after his promotion to the Board of the Admiralty, McWard joined British Parliament and was given a Constituency in his hometown of Manchester by order of his majesty and the Prime Minister. In 1754, he was then moved to the Constituency of Ayrshire, Scotland.

During the start of his first term, Britain was in heated conflict with Sweden. Having traveled there recently to meet with the Swedish Prime Minister, McWard decided to draft a Peace Treaty to try and end political and military turmoil between the two nations. Sadly, the bill was rejected due to the lack of votes, but McWard still remains in Parliament as a member of the Whig Party and has come a long way in helping Britain through difficult times. He took part in participating in Acts such as the Calendar New Style Act which regulated the commencement of the years and corrected the British Calendar that is currently in use as well as the issues of Piracy in the Caribbean and the American Colonies. In November of 1752, he was elected Governor of Port Royal succeeding Lord Joseph Grey.

Preventing a Second Rebellion?
In early 1753, Pulp Daggerlord had plans bubbling underground. McWard, along with his fellow comrades received a threatening declaration of war from Daggerlord. Wanting no part of it, McWard met Daggerlord in the port of Tortuga. McWard firmly declared that he as well as the Empire wanted no part of warfare between Daggerlord. The conversation became more intense. Daggerlord declared to McWard stating "You should have never left my side. To this day I don't understand why...the empire, your words will no longer carry weight. It's all a matter of time...." McWard responded with a chuckle, grabbed Daggerlord by the collar and responded: "You will never scare me... It's over for you. You will always be at the bottom. Stay away from my comrades....." With a silent laugh, he then gently released Daggerlord and walked away, never to see Daggerlord again.... for now.....

The demise of Pulp Daggerlord/ Commander of the fleet
In late March of 1753, rumors starting going around that Daggerlord had been researching private information on members of the British government. On the evening of March 26th, 1753, Pulp Daggerlord was executed by the British government on the charges of doxxing and other malicious activies. Upon hearing the news, McWard was stunned and relieved. The man who had been threatening him and his country had finally been terminated. After his execution, commander Lord Davy Menace took over the Royal Black Guard and organized a truce between the Empire and the Royal Black Guard which Britain accepted. By early April of 1753, McWard was stressed after discovering that The Royal Navy had enlisted in a fun Naval competition between other nations. Prime Minister Newcastle urged his Navy not to compete after a brutal defeat by the Naval organization Mercy. Newcastle and McWard ordered their men to eventually withdraw from the competition due to their lack of preparation. A few days later, McWard and his men decided to organize a fun tournament of their own. McWard and Admiral Tobias Squidhayes fought against each other. The man who gets seven sinks was declared the winner. As a result McWard won the match 7-6. After the match, Tobias saw something in McWard and resigned giving him the rank of Admiral of the Fleet. Hesitant on the offer, McWard eventually accepted it carrying on Squidhayes's legacy he left behind. In late June of 1753, an exhausted McWard made the decision to retire from the Navy as a Fleet Admiral to go into politics. He was given a position as Liaison of the Judicial Committee under the wing of Lord Chancellor Andrew Mallace.

Departure from Westminster (1753)
In early July of 1753, McWard grew tedious of the constant bickering between himself and his colleagues. He departed from Westminster and moved back to his estate on Port Royal along with his dear friends Jeremiah Sharkbones and Bart Swordfury. They started a new life with Samuel Hornigold's Naval unit The Juggernauts. In March of 1754, after half a year in Port Royal, McWard moved to Switzerland with Sharkbones and Joseph Grey to serve as a diplomat to their Swiss allies of the Armed Guard. He remains on good terms with his comrades in Britain.

Ships/Vessels
    Thomas McWard has commanded many ships over the years. From 1744-1745, McWard and his father commanded the HMS War Sloop Lynx during their campaigns in the Caribbean and France. In 1747, he was given command of his first ship during the Battles of Cape Finisterre, the'' HMS War Sloop Weazel. In 1750, he was given command of HMS War Frigate: Black Vindicator and HMS War Sloop: Blue Viking and Storm Defender. To this day, the Vindicator and Storm Defender'' are his two main ships that he uses for battle and training.

Johnny Goldtimbers:
Captain McWard was first introduced to Prime Minister Johnny Goldtimbers in late 1750 by retired First Sea Lord of the Admiralty Maxamillion Philip Beckett. The meeting was very intimidating for the young Captain but an honor. Although their relationship has been turbulent at times, McWard considers him a lifelong mentor.

Jeremiah Sharkbones:
Already aware of his name, McWard met Sharkbones at a Navy practice after the Royal Black Guard Rebellion. For the next two years, McWard and Sharkbones would begin a friendship that would last a lifetime. To this day, Sharkbones is considered one of McWard's most trusted friends. He is the Comptroller of the Royal Navy, a Major of the Royal Marines, and Goldtimbers third in command.

Andrew Mallace:
When McWard began his career in politics in 1751, Goldtimbers introduced him to Lord Chancellor Andrew Mallace. He took McWard under his wing and taught him the ropes of politics and law. He gave McWard a position in Parliament and would later give him advice in Privy Council. Like Goldtimbers, Mallace is considered one of McWard's mentors and dear friends.

Samuel Hornigold
Samuel Hornigold is a retired member of the Admiralty and McWard's best friend and right hand man. They first met after McWard's promotion to the Board of the Admiralty. He brought out the good things in Thomas and made him a better person. In 1753, Hornigold left England to join Team SvS: an organization that practices Naval Combat daily. Although gone, he still is and always will be McWard's best friend.

Bartholomew Swordfury
Captain Swordfury was one of McWard's very first friends during his service in The British Empire. In November of 1752, McWard was given the post of Governor of Port Royal and appointed Swordfury as his Lieutenant Governor. Their friendship continues to be one of the greatest friendships in British politics and foreign policy. He continues to encourage McWard to become a better political leader and public speaker.

Comrades

 * Lt. Colonel Christopher Gunhound: Current commander of the Royal Marines.
 * Christopher Jameson (CJ): Retired Lt. Colonel of the Royal Marines and close friend of McWard's.


 * Lord Andrew Beckett: Current Senior Sea Lord of the Admiralty, relative of Lord Cutler Beckett, and comrade of McWard's.
 * Luis Sailwalker: Retired Major of the Royal Marines and comrade of McWard's.
 * Tobias Squidhayes: Retired First Sea Lord of the Admiralty, Privy Council member, and comrade of McWard's.

Legislations

 * NATIONAL DAY ACT (1754): To establish and recognize a celebration of the Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland’s National Day as the date of the founding of the TLOPO guild, The British Empire on the fourteenth of December in the year of the Lord, seventeen forty-nine. (Passed)
 * CALENDAR NEW STYLE ACT (1751): Regulates the commencement of the year; and for correcting the calendar currently in use. (Passed)