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Philip Durell (1707–1766) was a prominent officer in the Royal Navy, known for his role in key naval engagements during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. Born in St. Helier, Jersey, he was the son of John Durell, solicitor general of Jersey, and Elizabeth Corbet. Durell entered the Navy through the influence of his uncle, Captain Thomas Durell. In 1721, at the age of 14, he joined the Sea Horse, a 20-gun vessel, as an ordinary seaman. Over the next several years, Durell served aboard ships such as the Ludlow Castle (40 guns), gaining valuable experience on the Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New England stations, before being commissioned as a lieutenant in 1731.

Philip Durell played a key role in the British operations against Cartagena de Indias during the War of Jenkins’ Ear from March to May 1741. On April 17, 1741, he was promoted to commander and took command of the Success (20 guns), participating in the British assault under Admiral Edward Vernon. The campaign, aimed at seizing the Spanish stronghold in the Caribbean, was plagued by logistical difficulties, disease, and strong Spanish resistance, leading to its eventual failure. Following the Cartagena campaign, Durell assumed command of the Strombolo (8 guns) from June to September 1741, engaging in operations near Santiago de Cuba. These assignments marked an important phase of his career in colonial waters and preceded his promotion to captain on February 6, 1742, when he was given command of the Sea Horse (20 guns).

Durell achieved the rank of post captain on February 6, 1742, while serving in the West Indies, taking command of the 40-gun Eltham. Following a refit in England, the Eltham sailed to Boston in July 1744 to escort mast ships from the Piscataqua River. However, Durell’s mission was redirected to support Commodore Peter Warren and William Pepperrell in the Siege of Louisbourg in 1745. His local knowledge and surveying expertise made him a key figure in the campaign. Under his command, the Eltham became the first ship to join the fleet at Canso, and during the siege, Durell assisted in the capture of the French ship Vigilant, heavily laden with supplies for the fortress. Later, as captain of the Chester, he helped capture two French East Indiamen, highly valuable prizes. Returning to England with dispatches, he delivered a detailed survey of Louisbourg harbor, praised by Warren for its precision.

In 1747, commanding HMS Gloucester (50 guns), Durell participated in Rear-Admiral Edward Hawke’s decisive victory over a French squadron off Cape Ortegal, Spain. Remaining in European waters, he took command of HMS Terrible (74 guns) in 1755 and joined Rear-Admiral Francis Holburne’s squadron to support Vice-Admiral Edward Boscawen in operations off Louisbourg and Newfoundland. After returning to England with Boscawen’s fleet in November, Durell was assigned HMS Trident (64 guns). In this capacity, he served under Vice-Admiral John Byng at the Battle of Minorca in May 1756, where he sought to protect HMS Intrepid after it was severely damaged. During the engagement, Durell’s actions, including ordering the Trident’s top mainsails aback, were noted as an attempt to maintain the line of battle, although Byng’s failure to decisively engage the French led to his court-martial and execution.

Promoted to commodore on January 15, 1758, Durell returned to North America as part of Vice-Admiral Boscawen’s fleet in the renewed effort to capture Louisbourg. Arriving in New York in March 1758, Durell organized the transport and convoy of troops to Halifax, where he hoisted his broad pendant on HMS Princess Amelia (80 guns). His advice regarding the landing site at Gabarus Bay was instrumental; on June 8, 1758, after personally reconnoitering the shore, he recommended proceeding with the assault, leading to the successful capture of the fortress. Following this victory, Durell was promoted to rear-admiral of the blue on July 8, 1758, and remained in North America through the winter. During this time, he oversaw the establishment of permanent naval facilities at Halifax, selecting Gorham’s Point for a careening wharf and storehouses, which were completed by early 1759.

In the spring of 1759, under instructions from Major-General James Wolfe and Vice-Admiral Charles Saunders, Durell prepared his squadron to prevent French reinforcements from reaching Quebec. Despite delays caused by severe ice conditions, his fleet departed Halifax in May. Durell’s decision to send Captain John Rous to Canso to monitor ice conditions and French movements reflected his cautious yet effective leadership. Sailing into the St. Lawrence River, he supported the British advance on Quebec, guarding the critical Traverse passage south of Île d’Orléans. This navigational challenge was overcome with the aid of charts captured from the French and surveys conducted by James Cook, then serving as master of HMS Pembroke.

After the capture of Quebec in September 1759, Durell returned to England. Promoted to rear-admiral of the red on February 14, 1759, he was appointed Port Admiral at Plymouth on June 14, 1761. He continued to advance in rank, becoming vice-admiral of the blue on October 21, 1762. In 1766, Durell was named Commander-in-Chief of the North American Station, succeeding Lord Colvill. During his voyage to Halifax, he fell ill, reportedly from eating dolphin, and died on August 26, 1766, just four days after his arrival. He was buried on August 27 in St. Paul’s Church, Halifax, where his hatchment remains as a memorial to his service. Durell’s career, marked by prudence, technical skill, and an enduring commitment to the Navy, played a significant role in Britain’s maritime dominance during a period of global conflict and expansion.