Peter Denis facts for kids

Sir Peter Denis, 1st Baronet (born 1713 – died 11 June 1778) was a brave English naval officer. He also became a Member of Parliament, helping to make laws for the country.

Sir Peter Denis: A Naval Hero

Sir Peter Denis had an exciting life. He sailed the world, fought in important battles, and even helped lead the country. He was known for his courage and skill at sea.

Early Life and Adventures

Peter Denis was the son of a Huguenot refugee. He went to school at The King's School, Chester. When he was young, he joined the navy.

He became a midshipman on HMS Centurion. This ship was led by Commodore George Anson. Peter Denis joined Anson's famous trip around the world, which lasted from 1740 to 1744.

In 1739, he was promoted to lieutenant. During the voyage, in 1741, he had a daring adventure. He took a small boat called a cutter with 16 men. They chased and captured a Spanish ship. This capture helped the British learn important information. It led to an attack on the town of Paita a few days later.

Rising Through the Ranks

By 1745, Peter Denis was promoted to command his own ship. He first commanded the 26-gun HMS Greyhound. Soon after, he took temporary command of HMS Windsor. While on the Windsor, he captured a French privateer (a ship that attacked merchant vessels). He also rescued two British merchant ships.

In 1747, Denis became the captain of the 50-gun Centurion again. He led her in the Battle of Cape Finisterre. Here, he served under Admiral Anson once more. When the enemy ships were seen, Anson ordered a chase. The Centurion was the fastest ship to reach the French. She bravely fought the last French ship and two larger enemy ships. This kept them busy until the rest of the British fleet arrived.

After the battle, Denis was chosen to bring the news of Anson's victory back to England. This news made Anson very popular and helped him become a lord. This likely made Denis even more respected by Anson.

A Member of Parliament

In 1754, Peter Denis became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Hedon in Yorkshire. Anson, who was very powerful, helped him get this position.

Denis was an MP for fourteen years. During this time, another naval officer, Sir Charles Saunders, was also an MP for Hedon. Sir Charles Saunders later became a very important naval leader.

Later Naval Career

Denis continued his naval career while serving in Parliament. In 1757, he commanded the 90-gun HMS Namur. This ship was part of Admiral Edward Hawke's expedition against Rochefort, though it was not successful.

In 1758, he was captain of the 70-gun HMS Dorsetshire. His ship bravely defeated and captured the French ship of the line Raisonnable in the Bay of Biscay. The Dorsetshire was also with the fleet during the important victory at the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759.

In 1767, he was given a special title: a baronet. This meant he was called Sir Peter Denis. However, he did not have any sons, so the title ended when he died.

In 1771, he became the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore. This was an important naval command based on the River Medway. He flew his flag from the ship HMS Trident.

Sir Peter Denis passed away in 1778. By then, he had reached the high rank of Vice-Admiral of the Red.