English Captain: Thomas Rainsborough

Thomas Rainsborough served in the Parliamentarian navy. Michael Baumber calls him "Colonel Thomas Rainsborough". In 1643, he commanded the 3rd Rate Lion, when he was captured while on shore, and freed in a prisoner exchange. From 1647 to 1648, he served as a Vice-Admiral with his flag in a 3rd Rate (either the Happy Entrance or Leopard). In 1648, he flew his Vice-Admiral's flag on the 2nd Rate Constant Reformation, one of the ships that went over to the Royalist side. He was not well-liked, and he was thrown off his ship in the Downs, in April 1648, when the rebellion happened. He had been appointed Vice-Admiral when William Batten was removed from command for conspiring with Royalists and Presbyterians. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
2. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.