Algernon Usborne Willis
Admiral of the Fleet Algernon Usborne Willis G.C.B., K.C.B., D.S.O., R.N. (17 May, 1889 – 12 April, 1976) served in the Royal Navy.
Life & Career
Willis was born in Hampstead.
He passed first class in torpedoes in September, 1909 with 191/200 marks.
He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 15 November, 1909.[1]
On 15 July, 1913, he was appointed to Leander for Template:TBDs, having just qualified as Lieutenant (T) on 11 July.[2]
Great War
On 12 April, 1915, Willis was appointed to the armoured cruiser Donegal as torpedo officer. He remained in her until 29 October when he moved to Defiance. On 10 March, 1916 he went to Vernon for one month.
On 5 April, 1916, Willis was appointed to the destroyer Fearless, additional, for torpedo work with the First Destroyer Flotilla. It was in this role that he fought at the Battle of Jutland, sadly destined to play little part, as Fearless was unable to keep up with her destroyers. Willis quit the cruiser on 22 June, to return to Vernon until September, 1918.[3]
During this extended interlude, Willis was married to Olive Christine Millar on 7 September, 1916 at Christ Church, Hampstead, N.W. and then was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 15 November, 1917.[4]
On 19 September, 1918, he was appointed to the flotilla leader Saumarez for torpedo duties with the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla.[5]
Post-war
Willis was appointed to Stuart for Seymour for torpedo duties with Eleventh Destroyer Flotilla on 17 January, 1919. On 5 March, this posting was changed to Wallace for torpedo duties with the First Destroyer Flotilla. He remained there until 8 January, 1920 when he was moved to Renown, as ever, to be torpedo officer.[6]
Willis was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1922. On 4 December, 1923 he began a two year stint as squadron torpedo officer in Coventry.[7]
Willis was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1929.[8]
Willis was appointed in command of the battleship Barham in April, 1938.
World War II
Willis was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral on 5 January, 1940.[9]
Willis was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 3 April, 1943. The next day, he assumed command of Force H, vice Burroughs. At 0800 on 28 December, he struck his flag as C-in-C, Levant.[10]
Post-wars
Willis was promoted to the rank of Admiral on 16 October, 1945.[11]
Willis was promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet on 30 March, 1949.[12]
He was admitted to Haslar Royal Naval Hospital on 4 January, 1951, suffering from Sciatica. He stayed there over a year, being discharged to his own home on 28 January, 1952.[13]
Willis died at Haslar Royal Naval Hospital on 12 April, 1976.[14]
See Also
| Naval Appointments | ||
| Preceded by Thomas B. Drew |
Captain of H.M.S. Kent Jan, 1933[15] – May, 1934[16] |
Succeeded by Ion B. B. Tower |
| Preceded by Roderick B. T. Miles |
Captain of H.M.S. Vernon Sep, 1935 – Apr, 1938 |
Succeeded by Denis W. Boyd |
| Preceded by Henry E. Horan |
Captain of H.M.S. Barham Apr, 1938[17] |
Succeeded by Harold T. C. Walker |
Footnotes
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
- ↑ Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
- ↑ Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
- ↑ Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
