Philemon Pownoll | |
|---|---|
 Pownoll c. 1770 | |
| Born | c. 1734 Plymouth |
| Died | 15 June 1780 (aged 45–46) Aboard HMS Apollo, off Ostend |
| Allegiance | Great Britain |
| Service/ | Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1748–1780 |
| Rank | Post-captain |
| Commands held | HMS Favourite HMS Blonde HMS Apollo |
| Battles/wars | |
| Relations | John Bastard (grandson) |
Philemon Pownoll (c. 1734 – 15 June 1780) of Sharpham in the parish of Ashprington in Devon, England, was an officer of the Royal Navy who saw service during the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War and the American War of Independence, rising to the rank of post-captain.
Pownoll was born the son of a leading shipwright, and entered the navy in the last year of the War of the Austrian Succession. After several years service he rose through the ranks to his own command in time for the outbreak of the Seven Years' War. Commanding a sloop he took part in the capture of one of the most valuable prizes taken in the entire conflict, and became immensely wealthy overnight from his success. He married and settled on his estate, but despite his riches, chose to return to active service on the outbreak of the American War of Independence. During his time as a frigate captain he acted as a mentor to future star captains Edward Pellew and John Borlase Warren.
His service in North America was marked with successes in supporting and conveying troops, and engaging in larger fleet actions such as the relief of Gibraltar. He took part in a hard-fought action against a French privateer in 1779, and received a musket ball to the chest, which remained with him for the rest of his life. He again engaged a heavily armed privateer the following year, and this time was killed by a cannonball in the heat of the action, which was brought to a successful conclusion by his first lieutenant. His death was marked with tributes from the leading naval figures of his age, including Admiral John Jervis and Edward Pellew.