George Watson (Royal Navy officer)
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.
Sir George Watson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 April 1827 |
| Died | 26 April 1897 (aged 70) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  Royal Navy |
| Rank | 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 |
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 Commodore-in-Charge, Hong Kong from March 1876 to March 1879. His next appointment was Admiral-Superintendent, Chatham in 1881 and Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies Station in 1888 before retiring in 1892.[1]
He was promoted to full admiral on 25 February 1892,[3] and retired two months later.[1]
Family
In 1864 he married Margaretta Campbell.[1]
References
- William Loney RN
- 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
- "No. 26263". The London Gazette. 1 March 1892. p. 1201.