Algernon Frederick Rous de Horsey

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Admiral Algernon Frederick Rous de Horsey (1827-1922) was a British Admiral in the nineteenth century. He was the son of Spencer de Horsey, of Great Glemham Suffolk, and Lady Louise, a daughter of the first Earl of Stradbroke. His only sister was the Countess of Cardigan, whose reminiscences caused a scandal when they were published. He married Caroline, daughter of Admiral Andrew Drew, in 1861 and was the father of Louisa Mary Adeline de Horsey Phillips and grandfather of Admiral Tom Phillips. His son was Vice Admiral Victor Yorke de Horsey while his other daughter married Major William Croughton of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. He was made a KCB on 9 November 1903 and lived at Melcombe House Cowes. He frequently contributed letters to The Times and wrote An African Pilot and The Rule of the Road at Sea. He was chairman of Isle of Wight magistrates for many years and and Deputy Lieutenant. He died on 22 October 1922 and was described by The Times as "Doyen of the Navy".

[edit] Naval career

He served on the coast of Syria in 1840; in the Prussian-Danish war; the US Civil War; the Mexican war; was commander-in-chief on the Pacific station 1876–79 and took part in the Peruvian civil war, and commanded the Channel Squadron 1884–85. His career went from sails to steam.

25 July 1827, born
1840, entered Royal Navy
16 July 1846, joined HMS Juno
25 July 1846, promoted Mate
26 July 1846, promoted Lieutenant
8 Sept 1847, joined HMS Modeste
13 March 1849, joined HMS Arrogant
22 Feb 1851, joined HMS Cumberland
10 June 1853, promoted Commander, joined HMS Devastation (sloop) in command
30 Nov 1855, joined HMS Victor in command
7 Sept 1857, promoted Captain
4 May 1859, joined HMS Brisk in command
9 May 1864, joined HMS Wolverine in command
1 Nov 1865, joined HMS Aurora in command
23 May 1868, joined HMS Hector in command
22 July 1872, Commodore 2nd class, Senior Naval Officer Jamaica and HMS Aboukir in command
7 May 1875, promoted Rear Admiral
6 August 1876, Commander in Chief Pacific in HMS Repulse, HMS Shah and HMS Triumph
27 Nov 1879, promoted Vice Admiral
4 Dec 1884, Senior Officer in Command of Channel Squadron in HMS Northumberland
29 April 1885, promoted Admiral
25 July 1892, placed on retired list

He received the Naval General Service Medal and bar for his service in Syria as well as a medal for Acre given by the Sultan of Turkey. He captured the Spanish slaver Manuela, and suppressed riots in Jamaica for which he was thanked in Parliament. He was Senior Officer on the Lakes of Canada during the Fenian disturbances; for this he was awarded the Canadian Medal. In 1871 he was made ADC to Queen Victoria.

It was the custom for the senior Admiral to be promoted to Admiral of the Fleet, but in 1892 when it was Admiral Horsey's turn he was passed over. The reason for this is unknown.