Thomas Philip Durell
Thomas Philip Durell
Thomas Philip Durell (1755-1836) Captain RN
Thomas Philip Durell, the son of Captain Thomas Durrel and Sophie Weld, was the third generation of his family and the third to bear his name to become Captains in the Royal Navy. His grand uncle Thomas Durell served with distinction in the first half of the 18th century, as did his father, and his uncle Vice-Admiral Philip Durell was one of the most distinguished naval officers of the century.
In 1769-70 he was serving as Captain's Servant on board HMS Pembroke and then as able seaman in 1771. The ship was commanded by Philip Durell (which member of the family this was has not been identified), who commended him for his "diligence, sobriety and obedience. Later that year he was on HMS Niger as a midshipman under the command of the same Philip Durell.
In 1779 he was promoted to 3rd Lieutenant on HMS Royal Oak and then to 2nd Lieutenant on HMS Line of Battle. In 1782 he served on HMS Scorpion.
In 1784 he married Anne Roberts, the daughter of William Roberts and Elizabeth Powell. Anne died in 1788, leaving Thomas with two young daughters, Anne Sophia and Eliza.
In 1795 he was 1st Lieutenant of HMS St Fiorenzo and in 1797 he took command of the vessel with the rank of Commander. Promoted Captain in 1802 he was in command of 'HMS Acteon. He died as a senior captain in 1836.
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