Algernon Usborne Willis

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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 was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 15 November, 1909.[1]

In July, 1913, he was appointed to Leander for Template:TBDs.[2]

Great War

Willis was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 15 November, 1917.[3]

On 19 September, 1918, he was appointed to Saumarez for torpedo duties with the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla.[4]

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.[5]

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.[6]

Willis was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1929.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9]

Post-wars

Willis was promoted to the rank of Admiral on 16 October, 1945.[10]

Willis was promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet on 30 March, 1949.[11]

Willis died at Haslar Royal Naval Hospital on 12 April, 1976.[12]

See Also

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
Thomas B. Drew
Captain of H.M.S. Kent
Jan, 1933[13] – May, 1934[14]
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[15]
Succeeded by
Harold T. C. Walker

Footnotes

  1. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  2. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  3. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  4. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  5. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  6. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  7. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  8. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  9. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  10. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  11. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  12. Willis Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52. f. 460.
  13. Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
  14. Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
  15. Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.


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