Andrew Ball (Royal Navy officer)

Andrew Ball (born c. 1756, died 1809) was an officer in the British Royal Navy who served during the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the Napoleonic Wars.

Ball entered the navy as a midshipman in 1770. He distinguished himself during the American Revolutionary War, participating in several engagements. He gradually rose through the ranks, earning promotion to lieutenant in 1777 and commander in 1783.

During the French Revolutionary Wars, Ball commanded the sloop HMS Druid in the Mediterranean. He captured several French privateers and merchant vessels. His service was particularly noted during the Siege of Toulon in 1793.

In 1798, Ball was given command of the third-rate HMS Alexander. He fought bravely in the Battle of the Nile later that year, where his ship was heavily damaged and forced to surrender to the French. Ball and his crew were taken prisoner. He was subsequently exchanged and honourably acquitted by court-martial for the loss of his ship, as was standard practice.

Ball continued his service in the Napoleonic Wars. He commanded HMS Gibraltar, participating in operations off the coast of Spain. He reached the rank of rear-admiral in 1809, shortly before his death later that year. Ball was recognized as a capable and courageous officer throughout his career.