Background
Maitland was born the sixth son of Charles Maitland, the sixth earl of Lauderdale and Lady Elizabeth Ogilvie.
Maitland was born the sixth son of Charles Maitland, the sixth earl of Lauderdale and Lady Elizabeth Ogilvie.
He was named after his godfather, Frederick, Prince of Wales. He entered the Navy in 1748 serving as a midshipman on HMS Tavistock and HMS Speedwell He was promoted to lieutenant in June 1750, joining HMS Otter in Barbados. and commanding HMS Lively with distinction in 1760. He moved to take command of HMS Elizabeth in 1778, and in 1782 found himself serving under Admiral George Rodney.
His capable command of several Navy ships led to a period commanding the Royal yacht between 1763 and 1775.
He was promoted to Rear admiral in 1786, but died before the news reached him. Family Jamaica Scotland.
John Maitland successfully defended Savannah against a combined French and American siege in 1779.