Richard Pearson (Royal Navy officer)

Richard Pearson (c. 1731 – c. 1806) was a Royal Navy officer who is best known for his command of HMS Serapis during the Battle of Flamborough Head in 1779, during the American Revolutionary War.

Pearson entered the Royal Navy in 1745. He gradually rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1755 and a commander in 1761. He was promoted to captain in 1773.

In 1779, as captain of Serapis, a newly commissioned 44-gun frigate, Pearson was escorting a convoy of merchant ships along the British coast. On September 23, 1779, the convoy was intercepted by a squadron of ships under the command of Captain John Paul Jones of the Continental Navy, led by Bonhomme Richard.

In the ensuing Battle of Flamborough Head, Serapis engaged Bonhomme Richard in a fiercely contested battle. Although Serapis ultimately forced Bonhomme Richard to surrender, Pearson was also compelled to strike his colours after suffering heavy damage and casualties.

Despite the defeat, Pearson was widely regarded as a hero in Britain for his valiant defense of the convoy and his spirited fight against a superior enemy force. He was knighted in 1779 for his conduct in the battle and presented with the freedom of the borough of Scarborough. He was subsequently tried by court-martial, as was customary after the loss of a ship, but was honorably acquitted.

After the war, Pearson continued to serve in the Royal Navy. He commanded HMS Alarm and later served as Lieutenant Governor of Greenwich Hospital. He died around 1806.