Algernon de Horsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Algernon de Horsey
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|---|---|
| Born | 25 July 1827 |
| Died | 22 October 1922 (aged 95) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1840–1892 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Devastation HMS Victor HMS Brisk HMS Wolverine HMS Aurora HMS Hector Pacific Station |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
Admiral Sir Algernon Frederick Rous de Horsey (25 July 1827 – 22 October 1922) was a brave officer in the Royal Navy. He was a special helper to Queen Victoria. He showed great courage in Canada during events known as the Fenian raids. He was also praised by the government for helping to calm difficult situations in Jamaica.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Algernon de Horsey was born on July 25, 1827. His father was Spencer de Horsey, and his mother was Lady Louise. Lady Louise was the daughter of the first Earl of Stradbroke. Algernon had one sister, who became the Countess of Cardigan.
He later married Caroline Drew in 1861. She was the daughter of Admiral Andrew Drew. They had several children. Their son, Victor Yorke de Horsey, also became a Vice Admiral. Their grandson, Tom Phillips, became an Admiral too.
Algernon de Horsey joined the Royal Navy in 1840 when he was just 13 years old. He served off the coast of Syria that same year. For his service there, he received special medals.
Climbing the Ranks
He quickly moved up in rank:
- In July 1846, he became a Lieutenant.
- In June 1853, he was promoted to Commander. He took charge of the ship HMS Devastation.
- From November 1855, he commanded HMS Victor.
- In September 1857, he became a Captain.
- He commanded several other ships, including HMS Brisk (from 1859), HMS Wolverine (from 1864), HMS Aurora (from 1865), and HMS Hector (from 1868).
Important Missions
While in Canada, he was the top naval officer on the Great Lakes during the Fenian raids. He received a Canadian Medal for his work there. In 1871, he became a special helper to Queen Victoria.
In July 1872, he was promoted to Commodore. He became the main naval officer in Jamaica. He helped stop ships involved in illegal activities. He also helped calm down difficult situations in Jamaica and was thanked by the government for his actions.
Leading in the Pacific
In 1876, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Station. This meant he was in charge of all the navy's ships in the Pacific Ocean. His main ship was first HMS Repulse, then HMS Shah, and later HMS Triumph. During this time, he was involved in a naval event with a ship called the Huáscar during a conflict in Peru.
Later Career and Retirement
In December 1884, he took command of the Channel Fleet. His main ship was HMS Northumberland. He was promoted to the highest rank of full Admiral in April 1885. He retired from active duty in July 1892.
Interesting Stories and Legacy
On September 8, 1878, Admiral de Horsey visited Pitcairn Island on his ship, the Shah. He wrote a report about his visit. In it, he mentioned an American who had settled on the island, calling him "a doubtful acquisition." This small comment inspired the famous writer Mark Twain to write a short story called The Great Revolution in Pitcairn (1879).
Admiral de Horsey received a special honor called Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1903. He lived at Melcombe House in Cowes. He often wrote letters to The Times newspaper. He also wrote books about sailing and navigation, including An African Pilot and The Rule of the Road at Sea. For many years, he was a local leader and judge on the Isle of Wight. He was also appointed a deputy governor of the Isle of Wight in 1913.
Admiral Sir Algernon de Horsey passed away on October 22, 1922. The Times newspaper called him the "Doyen of the Navy," meaning he was a very respected and experienced leader. He is buried with his wife, Caroline, at Carisbrooke Cemetery.
Places Named After Him
Two places in British Columbia, Canada, are named after Admiral de Horsey:
- De Horsey Island is located at the mouth of the Skeena River.
- De Horsey Passage is a waterway that separates De Horsey Island from Smith Island.
See Also
- List of Royal Navy admirals
Images for kids
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Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom
