Royal Naval Biography/Loch, Francis Erskine
FRANCIS ERSKINE LOCH, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1814.]
Was a midshipman of the Queen Charlotte, bearing the flag of Lord Keith, when that noble ship was destroyed by fire, near Leghorn, Mar. 17, 1800[1]. He obtained the rank of lieutenant Jan. 22, 1 806, and subsequently served under the same distinguished officer in the San Josef 112.
On the 21st Oct. 1812, Mr. Loch, then acting commander of the Rover sloop, captured the American letter of marque Experiment, of 6 guns and 17 men, laden with cotton and rice, from Charlestown bound to Bourdeaux. His commission was confirmed by the Admiralty, Jan. 6, 1813; and in Aug. following, he received an appointment to the Sparrow brig, which vessel formed part of the squadron under Sir George R. Collier, and was very actively employed at the siege of St. Sebastian, On the 10th Nov. 1813, she sustained some slight damage in the hull and sails, while making a naval demonstration in the rear of Socoa, preparatory to the attack of the enemy’s lines by Lord Wellington. On the 26th Mar. 1814, her master was killed and one man wounded, in a partial action with two French frigates, afterwards taken by the Hebrus 36, and Hannibal 74[2].
Captain Loch was posted into the Minstrel of 26 guns, Sept. 29, 1814; and appointed to the Eden, a ship of similar force, fitting for the East Indies, Mar. 21, 1818[3]. He returned to England from that station, Aug. 11, 1821; and was soon afterwards put out of commission.
Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell.
- ↑ See Vol. II. Part I. p. 418, et seq.; and Nav. Chron. v. xxviii, p. 8.
- ↑ See Suppl. Part I. p. 215.
- ↑ See id. p. 429.