Francis William Melvill

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Commander Francis William Melvill, R.N. (16 April, 1867 – 2 October, 1904) served in the Royal Navy.

Life & Career

Born in Brompton, Middlesex, the son of W. H. Melvill, Esq..[1]

Melvill was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 1 April, 1890.[2]

Melvill was promoted to the rank of Commander in October, 1900. He was appointed to the battleship Illustrious as executive officer on 7 July, 1903.[3]

Melvill drowned when taking a steam pinnace in company with Commanders M. H. Hodges and Miller from Weymouth back to Illustrious off Portland in heavy seas. After Melvill took the wheel and sent the coxswain forward, a sudden lurch of the pinnace caused him to slip and go overboard. Despite a gallant rescue effort by Hodges, who leapt overboard to try to help, Melvill was dragged under by his heavy coat.[4]

See Also

Bibliography

Footnotes

  1. Melvill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/422. f. 442.
  2. Melvill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/422. f. 442.
  3. Melvill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/422. f. 442.
  4. "The Death of Commander Melvill." The Times (London, England), Monday, Oct 10, 1904; pg. 8; Issue 37521.