15 Facts About Alexander Ball

Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander John Ball, 1st Baronet was a Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator who served as the civil commissioner of Malta from 1799 to 1801 and again from 1802 to 1809.

Alexander Ball was born in Ebworth Park in Sheepscombe, Gloucestershire.

Alexander Ball was the fourth son of Robert and Mary Ball and the younger brother of Ingram Ball.

Alexander Ball then spent a year in France, hoping to learn the language and live economically.

In 1790, Alexander Ball received a command and from then on he was continuously employed.

Under Nelson's command, Ball took part in the Battle of the Nile, and his ship, the Alexander, was the second British ship to fire on the French Admiral's flagship, L'Orient, which later blew up during the battle.

Alexander Ball was an important figure in the diplomatic and military events that brought Malta under British rule.

Whenever Alexander Ball appeared in public, the passers-by in the streets stood uncovered until he had passed; the clamours of the market-place were hushed at his entrance and then exchanged for shouts of joy and welcome.

Alexander Ball's mission was to sustain and continue the siege and blockade of the French forces in Malta, aided by certain Portuguese naval forces.

However, the increasingly precarious situation faced by King Ferdinand IV made Alexander Ball pass more powers to the British forces stationed in and around Malta.

In February 1801 Alexander Ball was appointed commissioner of the navy at Gibraltar and had to leave Malta.

Alexander Ball reported that the Maltese would have rebelled against Pigot had Alexander Ball not promised them that he would convey their grievances to the authorities.

Alexander Ball now received instructions to delay the evacuation of British troops from the island.

Sir Alexander Ball was possibly the British leader most loved by the Maltese population.

Alexander Ball died in the San Anton Palace on 25 October 1809 and was buried in Fort Saint Elmo in Valletta.