WRAY RICHARD GLEDSTANES PALLISER
1822-1891
Naval Hero

Source - Dictionary of National Biography

WRAY RICHARD GLEDSTANES PALLISER (d 1891)

One of Sir William Palliser's elder brothers, became sub-lieutenant R.N. 13 May 1845, and lieutenant 28 Feb 1847. He distinguished himself in 1854 in expeditions against Chinese pirate, being in command of the boats of her majesty's frigate Spartan, of which he was first lieutenant. He stormed three forts, mounting seventeen guns, and he boarded the chief vessel of a pirate fleet and rescued a French lady who was a prisoner in it. In the act of boarding he himself fell between his own boat and the other, and broke several ribs. For his gallantry in these actions he was made commanded 6 Jan 1855.

In 1857 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Fitzgerald of Muckridge House, co Cork. He was placed on the retired list as a captain 21 April 1870, and died in Jun 1891.

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers 1 xix 418

Professional Papers of the Corps of Royal Engineers, xiii xx 128, xiv 163, xvi 125

Minutes of Evidence taken before the Royal Commission on Warlike Stories in 1887 paras 2402-7, 4157-60, 6775-87, 8612-23

Catalogues of the Patent Office

Times Obituaries 6 Feb 1882, 16 Jun 1891

Note by TJS: Wray Richard Gledstanes Palliser was brother to my great-grandfather, Sir William Palliser.

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