Admiral of the FleetSir William RowleyKB (c. 1690 – 1 January 1768) was a Royal Navy officer. He distinguished himself by his determination as commander of the vanguard at the Battle of Toulon in February 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession. He went on to be Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in August 1744 and successfully kept the Spanish and French fleets out of the Mediterranean area but was relieved of his command following criticism of his decision as presiding officer at a court-martial.
Rowley was recalled and appointed to command second-rateHMS Barfleur in 1741.[2] Promoted to rear-admiral on 7 December 1743,[3] he hoisted his flag in HMS Barfleur and distinguished himself by his determination as commander of the vanguard at the Battle of Toulon in February 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession.[4] Promoted to vice-admiral on 23 June 1744,[5] he became Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in August 1744 and successfully kept the Spanish and French fleets out of the Mediterranean area.[1]
Rowley was asked to preside over a court-martial of Captain Richard Norris (son of Admiral Sir John Norris) on the second-rate HMS Torbay in relation to Norris's conduct at the Battle of Toulon.[6] Rowley found the court incompetent to try the case and Norris escaped censure. Rowley was suspected of showing favour to the son of an old colleague and relieved of his command in May 1745.[2]
Promoted to Admiral of the Fleet on 17 December 1762,[15] Rowley died on 1 January 1768 and is presumed to have been buried at St Mary's Church in Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk.[1]
Family
William Rowley married Arabella Dawson and had five children: four sons and one daughter.[1] Several of his descendants reached high positions in the Navy including his son Vice Admiral Sir Joshua Rowley,[16] his grandson Admiral Sir Josias Rowley,[17] his grandson Admiral Sir Charles Rowley[18] and his grandson Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Martin.[19]