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]
In July, 1913, he was appointed to Leander for Template:TBDs, having just qualified as Lieutenant (T) on 11 July.[2]
Great War
Willis was married to Olive Christine Millar on 7 September 1916 at Christ Church, Hampstead, N.W..[3]
Willis was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 15 November, 1917.[4]
On 19 September, 1918, he was appointed to 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.
