Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:15:52-3:16:30

Sir William Parker's convenient illness

Parker was supposedly too ill for the Admiralty yet well enough to command the Mediterranean Fleet away from politicians.

First Sea LordMediterranean FleetNaval CommandRoyal NavyWilliam Parker (1781–1866)
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Question

What did you mean by Sir William Parker crying, 'I'm ill'?

Short answer

His claimed illness kept him from becoming First Sea Lord, while he welcomed command of the Mediterranean Fleet away from the politicians.

Notes

Sir William Parker claimed to be too ill to serve as First Sea Lord. Command of the Mediterranean Fleet offered a more welcome appointment, far from the politicians at the Admiralty. In the anecdote, his stated ill health sits awkwardly beside his enthusiasm for returning to operational command. He took that command and performed well.