Sir Peter Parker, 2nd Baronet

Sir Peter Parker, 2nd Baronet (1785 – 31 August 1814) was a Royal Navy officer, the son of Vice-Admiral Christopher Parker and Augusta Byron. He commanded the frigate HMS Menelaus in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, and was killed leading a shore party against Maryland militia at the Battle of Caulk's Field.

Early life and education Parker was the descendant of several Royal Navy flag officers. His father, Vice-Admiral Christopher Parker, was the son of Admiral Sir Peter Parker, and his mother, Augusta Byron, was the daughter of Vice-Admiral John Byron. Educated at Westminster School, he entered the Royal Navy in 1798, serving under his grandfather and his grandfather's friend, Lord Nelson in Victory. The next year he took command of the brig Weazel. The Weazel was the first British vessel to sight the Franco-Spanish fleet leaving Cádiz, an action that precipitated the Battle of Trafalgar. For this service he was promoted to captain in 1805. A bold and efficient commander, he became known for his ferocity in destroying American farms and property along the Chesapeake. There he met resistance from the 21st Maryland Militia under command of Lt. Colonel Phillip Reed in the corn field of Isaac Caulk. This precipitated the Battle of Caulk's Field; while British and American sources differ on the result of the battle, Parker was one of the casualties.

Parker's body was sent to St. George's, Bermuda, and buried at St. Peter's Church on 14 October 1814 (the funeral service being conducted by Chaplain Rennell of HMS Albion), but at the request of one of his executors, Captain Edmund Palmer, was subsequently exhumed on 2 April 1815 (by Rector of St. George's Philip Hudson), and transported to England aboard the frigate HMS Hebrus to be re-interred at the family vault at St Margaret's, Westminster, a public funeral with military honours being held on both occasions. He was eulogised by his first cousin, Lord Byron.

Family Parker married Marianne Dallas, daughter of Sir George Dallas, 1st Bt. They had three sons: Commander Sir Peter Parker, 3rd Baronet (1809–1835), promoted to commander on 3 March 1834, then of HMS Vernon ? Parker (d. bef. 1835) George Parker (February 1815 – 23 November 1817), born after his father's death; died of croup.