Alexander Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 January 1760 |
| Died | June 1834 Birchgrove, Wexford |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1777–1814 |
| Rank | Rear-Admiral |
| Commands | HMS Alexander HMS Kingfisher HMS Boreas HMS Flora HMS Trusty HMS Alexandria Wexford Sea Fencibles |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Order of the Crescent |
Rear-Admiral Alexander Wilson (12 January 1760 – June 1834) was a Royal Navy officer most notable for his rise to flag rank from his position as a common seaman. Wilson joined the navy in 1777 and soon after became coxswain to Alexander Hood. By 1778 Wilson had been made a midshipman, fighting at the Battle of Ushant and Battle of Cape Henry. Wilson was promoted to lieutenant in 1787 and, continuing to serve with Hood, fought at the Glorious First of June and Battle of Groix before being promoted to commander.
After a brief command of HMS Kingfisher Wilson was promoted to post-captain on 2 September 1795. He temporarily commanded HMS Flora in 1798, and in 1801 joined the troopship HMS Trusty. Trusty then participated in the Battle of Abukir. Returning home from the Egypt Campaign in 1802 in command of HMS Alexandria, Wilson's ship was laid up. He went on to command the Wexford Sea Fencibles through the Napoleonic Wars, but never again went to sea. He was made a superannuated rear-admiral in 1814.