Francis William Drake

Francis William Drake (baptized August 22, 1724 – December 18, 1787) born in Buckland Monocharum, Devon the third son of Anne Heathcote and Sir Francis Henry Drake a descendant of Sir Francis Drake. Francis William is often confused with his younger brother, also a naval officer whose death occurred around the same time. All four son's of Sir Francis Henry Drake have Francis as their first name, which further adds to the confusion of Francis William. The sons names were, Francis Henry, Francis Duncombe, Francis William and Francis Samuel.

Not much is know of Francis William's early life. Drake joined the Royal Navy at an early age (about 8 or 10). He received the rank as Captain on January 29, 1748 at the early age of 23. That year he commanded HMS Fowey, part of the Royal Navy Atlantic fleet. As England and Spain were at war, upon sight of the Spanish vessel St. Judea he gave the orders to attack and eventually captured it with its 108 crew. The St. Judea was shipwreck while in tow at the Florida Keys.

In 1750, Drake served as the de facto Governor of Newfoundland under Commodore Rodney, senior naval officer in 1750 and 1751, and was promoted to the full position in 1752.

Drake served during the Seven Years War and the American Revolutionary War. He was promoted Vice-Admiral of the Blue in 1780 and Vice-Admiral of the Red in 1757. He was married to a minor, the daughter of the member of Parliament for Guilford.

External links

• Government House The Governorship of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online