Walter Griffith (1727-1779), was born on 15 May 1727, the younger son of Ralph Griffith, of Bron-gain in Llanfechain, Monmouthshire. He went on to a distinguished career in the navy, first going to sea at sixteen, taking part in the War of Austrian Succession until 1748, and on the West India station until 1750. Recommissioned in 1753, he is likely to have sat to Wilson shortly before the artist's departure for Italy in late 1750. He was promoted to captain in 1759 and rendered valuable service in the actions which led up to the battle of Quiberon Bay. From 1760 to 1763, when he retired, he was on the Mediterranean. The War of American Independence recalled him to active service, and he was killed in an encounter with the French in Fort Royal Bay off St Lucia on 18 December 1779.
