Provo Wallis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Admiral of the Fleet
Sir Provo Wallis
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Wallis (1813) by Robert Field
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| Birth name | Provo William Parry Wallis |
| Born | 12 April 1791 Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Died | 13 February 1892 (aged 100) Funtington, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1795–1892 |
| Rank | Admiral of the Fleet |
| Commands held | HMS Snipe HMS Niemen HMS Madagascar Senior Naval Officer, Gibraltar South East Coast of America Station |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 Pastry War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath |
| Signature |  |
Admiral of the Fleet Sir Provo William Parry Wallis (born April 12, 1791 – died February 13, 1892) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He started his naval career at a very young age. He is famous for serving for an incredible 96 years.
One of his most notable moments happened during the War of 1812. As a young officer, he temporarily commanded a British warship called HMS Shannon. This was after the ship captured an American ship, the USS Chesapeake. The captain of HMS Shannon was hurt, and the first lieutenant died. So, Wallis took charge and sailed the ship back to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Later in his career, as the commander of HMS Madagascar, Wallis protected the people of Veracruz in Mexico. He saved them from French attacks during a conflict known as the Pastry War. He continued to rise through the ranks. He was still on the active list of naval officers when he passed away at 100 years old.
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Provo Wallis was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His father, Provo Featherstone Wallis, worked at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Halifax. His father really wanted Provo to have a career in the navy. He knew the rules for joining the navy.
So, in May 1795, when Provo was just four years old, his father officially signed him up. He was listed as an able seaman on a ship called HMS Oiseau. This meant he started his naval career very early, at an age when most kids are just learning to read.
Early Ships and Adventures
In May 1798, young Provo became a volunteer on HMS Prevoyante. He stayed with this ship (at least on paper) until September 1799. Then, he joined HMS Asia. He served on HMS Asia until September 1800.
After that, he was promoted to midshipman on HMS Cleopatra. This was the first ship he actually served on in person. He joined it in October 1804. By this time, he had already been officially in the navy for almost ten years!
In February 1805, HMS Cleopatra was captured by a French ship. Wallis and his shipmates became prisoners of war. But he was freed just a week later. The French ship that captured them was then captured by the Royal Navy. Wallis then transferred to this ship, which became a British ship.
Rising Through the Ranks
Wallis moved to several different ships over the next few years. In November 1806, he joined HMS Triumph. In February 1808, he transferred to HMS Bellona. He was promoted to lieutenant on November 13, 1808.
Later that month, he moved to a smaller warship called HMS Curieux. Unfortunately, HMS Curieux ran aground and was wrecked in November 1809. Wallis then transferred to HMS Gloire in December 1809. He also served on other ships like HMS Observateur, HMS Driver, and HMS Emulous.
War of 1812 Hero
In January 1812, Wallis joined HMS Shannon. This ship became famous during the War of 1812. On June 1, 1813, HMS Shannon captured the American ship USS Chesapeake near Boston.
During this battle, HMS Shannon's Captain, Philip Broke, was badly wounded. The ship's first lieutenant was killed. This left young Wallis in a very important position. He became the temporary captain of the British ship. He commanded HMS Shannon for six days. He sailed it back to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the captured Chesapeake following behind. For this brave action, he was promoted to commander on July 9, 1813.
Further Commands
In January 1814, Wallis was given command of HMS Snipe. He was promoted to captain on August 12, 1819. In June 1824, he became the commanding officer of HMS Niemen in Halifax.
In April 1838, he took command of HMS Madagascar. This ship was part of the North America and West Indies Station. During the Winter of 1838, he protected the people of Veracruz, Mexico. They were being attacked by French forces during the Pastry War. The people of Veracruz were very grateful for his help.
In October 1843, he became the Senior Naval Officer in Gibraltar. He was still a post captain but acted as a commodore. He flew his special flag from HMS Warspite.
Senior Leadership Roles
Wallis continued to be promoted to higher ranks. On August 27, 1851, he became a rear-admiral. In May 1857, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the South East Coast of America Station. He held this command for a short time, until September 1857.
He was promoted to vice-admiral on September 10, 1857. He received a special honor, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, on May 18, 1860. On March 2, 1863, he was promoted to admiral. He also held the titles of Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom and Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.
A Lifetime of Service
A special rule in the navy allowed officers who had commanded a ship before the end of the Napoleonic Wars to stay on the active list. This meant they would not retire and would continue to receive pay. Wallis qualified for this rule because he had commanded HMS Shannon for six days. This allowed him to remain an active officer until he died.
He received an even higher honor, becoming a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, on May 24, 1873. On December 11, 1875, he reached the highest rank: Admiral of the Fleet.
When he was in his late nineties, the Admiralty (the navy's leadership) suggested he retire. They pointed out that being on the active list meant he could still be called back to sea. But Wallis famously replied that he was ready to accept any command!
Admiral of the Fleet Wallis passed away at his home in Funtington, West Sussex, on February 13, 1892. He was buried in the churchyard there. He was just a few months shy of his 101st birthday. He had served for an amazing 96 years in the Royal Navy. He was the last person alive who had been part of the famous battle between HMS Shannon and USS Chesapeake.
Family Life
On October 17, 1817, Provo Wallis married Juliana Massey. They had two daughters together. After his first wife passed away, he married Jemima Wilson on July 21, 1849. Jemima was the daughter of Sir Robert Wilson.
Legacy and Remembrance
Several places and things have been named in honor of Sir Provo Wallis. Wallis House in Ottawa, Canada, is named after him. There are brass plaques there that tell the building's history.
A former ship of the Canadian Coast Guard, CCGS Provo Wallis, was also named after him. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the main street in the Naval dockyard is called "Provo Wallis Street." This shows how much he is remembered and respected.
