George Watson (Royal Navy officer)

Sir George Watson
Born 5 April 1827
Died 26 April 1897
Allegiance United Kingdom United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Navy
Rank Vice Admiral
Commands held HMS Peterel
HMS Crocodile
HMS Duncan
HMS Victor Emanuel
HMS Temeraire
North America and West Indies Station
Awards Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath

Vice Admiral Sir George Willes Watson KCB (5 April 1827 – 26 April 1897) was a Royal Navy officer who went on to be Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies Station.

Naval career

Watson joined the Royal Navy in 1841.[1] Promoted to Commander in 1858, he was given command of HMS Peterel in 1862.[1] Promoted to Captain in 1864, he went on to command HMS Crocodile, HMS Duncan, HMS Victor Emanuel and HMS Temeraire.[1] During the American Civil War he was accused of assisting the Confederate States of America by selling the cruiser CSS Florida to them.[2]

He was appointed Admiral-superintendent at Chatham in 1881 and Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies Station in 1888 before retiring in 1892.[1]

Family

In 1864 he married Margaretta Campbell.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 William Loney RN
  2. ↑ Kenneth M.. Startup, "'This Small Act of Courtesy:' Admiral Sir George Willes Watson, Trouble, Trials, and Turmoil in Bahama Waters," Journal of the Bahamas Historical Society, Oct 2009, Vol. 31, pp 57-62
Military offices
Preceded by
Sir Algernon Lyons		 Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies Station
1888–1891 		Succeeded by
Sir John Hopkins