William Saltern Willett Explained

William Saltern Willett
Death Date:1769
Serviceyears:1741–1769
Rank:Commodore
Branch: Royal Navy
Battles:Seven Years' War

Commodore William Saltern Willett (died 1769) was a Royal Navy officer who served as Commander-in-Chief, The Nore from 1766 to 1769.

Naval career

Willett became commanding officer of the sloop in December 1745. Promoted to captain in October 1747,[1] he commanded, successively, the sixth-rate, the sixth-rate, the fourth-rate and the third-rate .[2] In command of the Chichester, he captured the French privateer snow Actiffe, of Dunkirk. Actiffe, of about 140 tons (bm), was pierced for 12 guns but had nine mounted, plus eight swivel guns. She was to be sold by the candle at Lloyd's Coffee House on 11 April 1758.[3]

Willett also saw action during the Raid on St Malo in June 1758, the Battle of Quiberon Bay in November 1759 and the capture of Belle Île in 1761. He went on to command the third-rate and then the third-rate and served as Commander-in-Chief, The Nore from 1766 to 1769.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Hardy, John. A chronological list of the captains of his majesty's Royal navy; commencing 1673, and brought down to 1783. 1784. 60.
  2. Web site: William Saltern Willett (d.1769). Three Decks. 10 January 2023.
  3. General Evening Post 30 March 1758.