Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth

Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth (April 9, 1757 – January 23, 1833) was a British naval officer. He fought during the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary, and the Napoleonic Wars.

Admiralcy and Peerage

Pellew was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1804. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the East Indies. It took six months to sail out to Penang so he took up the appointment in 1805. On his return from the east, he was appointed, in succession to the positions of Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean from 1811 to 1814, and of the North Sea in 1820.

Related Topics:
1804 - Commander-in-Chief - East Indies - Penang - 1805 - Mediterranean - 1811 - 1814 - North Sea - 1820

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In 1814, he was made Baron Exmouth of Canonteign. He led an Anglo-Dutch fleet against the Barbary states and was victor of the Bombardment of Algiers in 1816 and secured the release of the 1,000 Christian slaves in the city. For this action he was created 1st Viscount Exmouth. In 1832 he was appointed Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
1814 - Baron - Dutch - Barbary states - Bombardment of Algiers - 1816 - Viscount - 1832 - Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom

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He was also a good swimmer and noted for saving many lives. The most striking event was on January 26, 1796 when the East Indiaman Dutton, which was carrying troops, ran aground under Plymouth Hoe. Due to the heavy seas, the crew and soldiers aboard were unable to get to shore. Pellew swam out to the wreck with a line and helped rig a lifeline which saved almost all aboard. For this feat he was made a baronet.

Related Topics:
January 26 - 1796 - East Indiaman - Plymouth Hoe - Baronet

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