Sir Philip Broke, Bt | |
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Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke
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Born |
Nacton, near Ipswich, England |
9 September 1776
Died | 2 January 1841 | (aged 64)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | Royal Navy |
Years of service | 1792 - |
Rank | Rear-Admiral |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Order of the Bath Naval Gold Medal |
Rear-Admiral Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke, 1st Baronet, KCB (/ˈbrʊk/; 9 September 1776 – 2 January 1841) was a distinguished officer in the British Royal Navy. During his lifetime he was often referred to as Broke of the Shannon, a reference to his notable command of HMS Shannon in the War of 1812.
Broke was born at Broke Hall, Nacton, near Ipswich, the eldest son of Philip Bowes Broke, grandson of Philip Broke and descendant of Sir Richard Broke (d. 1529), who served as Chief Baron of the Exchequer. He was educated at Ipswich School, where a house was later named in his honour.
Broke joined the Royal Naval Academy at Portsmouth Dockyard in 1788, and began active service as a midshipman in 1792. It was rather unusual for him to receive formal naval education — most of his contemporaries had only "on the job" training. He served as third lieutenant on the frigate HMS Southampton during the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in February 1797. He was promoted to commander in 1799 and captain on 14 February 1801.