John Mostyn

John Mostyn was born circa 1709 and died on 16 February 1779. He was a British military officer, Member of Parliament, and colonial administrator. Mostyn was the younger son of Sir Roger Mostyn, 3rd Baronet. His education included attendance at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford.

Mostyn began his military career in 1733 when he joined the army as an Ensign. On 2 September 1743, he was promoted from captain in the 31st Regiment of Foot to captain-lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Foot Guards. Subsequently, on 2 April 1745, he was promoted to captain of a company. The following month, he was wounded during the Battle of Fontenoy.

From 1746 until his death in 1779, Mostyn served as Groom of the Bedchamber to King George II. His command appointments in various regiments included the colonelcy of the 7th Regiment of Foot (Royal Fuzileers) from 1751 to 1754; the 13th Regiment of Dragoons from 1754 to 1758; the 5th (or Royal Irish) Regiment of Dragoons from 1758 to 1760; the 7th (The Queen’s Own) Regiment of Dragoons from 1760 to 1763; and the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards from 1763 to his death in 1779.

Mostyn attained the rank of General in 1772. His service extended to colonial administration when he was appointed Governor of Menorca, a position he held from 1768 to 1778. However, this was an administrative appointment in name only; he resided elsewhere, and his deputy, James Murray, was effectively in charge of the island from 1774. Murray was later compelled to surrender Menorca to Spanish forces in 1782.

Mostyn remained unmarried throughout his life.