Since it’s still Shannon Day (also known as the anniversary of the Battle of Boston Harbour) I thought I’d share a few cool facts about Halifax Homeboy and all-around ledge Provo Wallis!
Wallis was born in 1791 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of a Halifax dockyard clerk. His father, being a naval yard clerk, knew a thing or two about how to become an officer in the Royal Navy, and as such he pulled some strings and signed his four-year-old son Provo on as an able seaman aboard HMS Oiseau. Now don’t be fooled, Wallis didn’t REALLY go to sea as a toddler- but his naval career started QUITE early anyway. He was promoted to midshipman in 1800 at the age of 9, though it wouldn’t be until he was 13 years of age that he’d physically go to sea.
His most well-known accomplishment was of course taking command of the British frigate Shannon at the age of 22 as a second lieutenant after both captain and first lieutenant were dangerously injured and dead, respectively, during the Battle of Boston Harbour when Shannon exchanged a short but bloody fight with American frigate Chesapeake.
As a captain, Wallis was renowned for his diplomatic capabilities. During the Pastry War of 1838 between Mexico and France, he defended the people of Veracruz from French fire. He was so well-known for this tact and diplomacy that he was granted the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1873, and two years later, was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet. Wallis was active well into his 90s, and it was obvious he loved his job because when the admiralty suggested he retire when he reached such an age as being on the active list meant he could still be called up for a command, he straight-up told them he was ready to accept one. He died in Funtington, West Sussex in 1892, just short of his 101st birthday. His epaulettes can still be seen at Admiralty House, now the Naval Museum of Halifax. He spent a total of 96 years in the Navy.
(Portrait by Robert Field, 1813)
