Philip Broke

Rear Admiral Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke, 1st Baronet KCB (;G.M. Miller, BBC Pronouncing Dictionary of British Names (Oxford UP, 1971), p. 21. 9 September 1776 – 2 January 1841) was a distinguished officer in the British Royal Navy.

Early life

Broke was born at Broke Hall, Nacton, near Ipswich, the eldest son of Philip Bowes Broke. He attended Ipswich School where a house has now been named in his honour.

Naval career

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 during the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in February 1797. He was promoted to commander in 1799 and captain on 14 February 1801.The Navy List, 1831

He married Sarah Louisa Middleton on 25 November 1802. They had 11 children.

Capture of USS Chesapeake

His most notable accomplishment was his victory while commanding HMS Shannon, over the USS Chesapeake on 1 June 1813, during the War of 1812. Broke took command of the Shannon, a 38-gun frigate, on 31 August 1806. Broke was ordered to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1811 as the diplomatic position between America and Britain deteriorated. US President James Madison declared war on 18 June 1812. There were half a dozen naval battles between a Royal Naval and...
Read More