Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p2.djvu/416

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393

Point, and the intrepid gallantry with which they boarded and brought off six gun-boats, carrying heavy metal, and a complement of men nearly double their numbers; he sincerely deplores the loss of Lieutenant Hawkey, or the Implacable, and of Lieutenant Stirling;, of the Prometheus, with the other brave men who fell in the execution of this important service: so brillant an achievement cannot but deeply impress the enemy with the superiority of the British navy, and the undaunted courage with which they are ever animated in the service of their King and Country.

“The commander-in-chief takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks to Lieutenant Allen, of the Bellerophon, and the other officers and men who so highly distinguished themselves on this occasion, which he requests Captain Martin will communicate to them.

(Signed)James Saumarez.”

Mr. Allen’s commission as commander was dated back to July 7th, 1809, the day on which the above exploit was performed; but, wanting interest, he has ever since been unemployed.




JOHN WORTH, Esq.
[Commander.]

Obtained the rank of commander in Aug. 1809.




WILLIAM MAY, Esq.
[Commander.]

Was made a lieutenant in 1798; presented with the Turkish gold medal for his services during the Egyptian; campaign; and promoted to the rank of commander, on his arrival in England with despatches from Rear-Admiral Sir Richard J. Strachan, announcing the reduction of the island of Walcheren, in Aug. 1809; on which occasion he was recommended to the Admiralty “as an officer of merit.” He married, Jan. 1st, 1814, Miss Flamark, of Newton-Abbott, co. Devon.



CHARLES BEECROFT, Esq.
[Commander.]

A follower of the heroic Sir W. Sidney Smith, to whose notice he was first introduced by the lamented Captain John Westley Wright, and with whom, after receiving a severe