C Revue Economique SWELL, William Rooke was born on July 20, 1852 in Gibraltar. 3rd son of late Edmund Creswell, Deputy P.M.G. for Gibraltar, and Post Office Surveyor for Mediterranean, and of Mary Margaret Ward, daughter of Reverend W. Fraser, Rector of N. Waltham, Hampshire.
Education
Studied at Aitken’s School, Gibraltar. Eastman’s Royal Navy Academy, Soutlisea. Britannia.
Career
Joined Navy 18GG; His Majesty’s Ship Phoebe, 1867. Sublieutenant, 1871; specially promoted boat-action Laroot River, 1873. His Majesty’s Ship London, Suppression of Slave Trade, 1875 - 78.
Received thanks of Foreign Minister for service there.
Retired after being invalided, 1878. Took service under South America Governor, 1885.
Commander, 1891.
PostCapt., 1894. Decorated for Imperial and Colonial services, 1897.
China medal, 1901. Recitations: yachting and open air. Royal Navy, Captain Australian Service. Director of Naval Forces for the Commonwealth.