The Hampshire Family Historian | Volume 50 No.1 | June 2023

Member’s article

Some notes on Provo William Parry WALLIS (1791 to 1892) Born 12th April 1791 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the son of Provo Featherstone WALLIS , a clerk at the Royal Navy’s Halifax Naval Yard. His father managed to register him as an Able Seaman at the age of four by convincing the captain of HMS Oiseau to list him on the ship’s books. Hence his years of service are recorded as 1795 to 1892. From 1798 he served on several ships gradually earning promotions. While serving on HMS Shannon during the War of 1812 (conflict fought between United States and its Indigenous Allies against United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and its Allies in British North America from June 1812 to February 1815) he served as the temporary captain for 6 days from 1st June 1813 following the wounding of the captain and the death of the first lieutenant. He was promoted to commander on 9th July 1813. While commanding officer of HMS Madagascar on the North America and West Indies Station Provo W P WALLIS earned the thanks of the people of Veracruz in Mexico when he protected them from French bombardment in winter 1838 during the Pastry War (the first Franco-Mexican War 1838-1839). More appointments and promotions followed. Promoted to Rear Admiral in August 1851; Commander-in-Chief, South East Coast of America Station from May to September 1857 when he was promoted to Vice Admiral; appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in May 1860; promoted to Admiral

in March 1863; appointed Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom in July 1869 and Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom in 1870. Provo WALLIS qualified to remain on the active list until he died due to the six days he was in command of HMS Shannon as the temporary captain in 1813. In 1873 he was advanced to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and promoted to Admiral of the Fleet in 1875. It appears that when he reached his late nineties the Admiralty suggested that he retire, as being on the active list meant that he was liable for calling up for a seagoing command. Wallis replied that he was ready to accept one! Married (1) Juliana MASSEY (?1792-1848), the daughter of the Ven Roger Massey, at Heavitree, Devon,21st October 1817. They had two daughters, Elizabeth Massey (1819 1890) who married Gerrard PERRYN of Trafford Hall, Cheshire, and Juliana (1820 1908). Juliana WALLIS died 28th September 1848 at Southsea and was buried at Barrow in Cheshire. Married (2) Jemima Mary WILSON (1808 1894), daughter of Sir Robert WILSON and Jemima, at Bintry, Norfolk 21st July 1849. She died at Funtington House, Funtington, Sussex on 28th February 1894 and was buried at Funtington as Jemima Mary Gwyn WALLIS Admiral of the Fleet Sir Provo WALLIS , GCB died at Funtington House on 13th February 1892 and was buried in the churchyard at Funtington 18th February 1892. (Various sources including Wikipedia) Marion Gilmour (Member #70)

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