Charles Lydiard
| Charles Lydiard | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | fl. 13 May 1780 |
| Died | 29 December 1807 Aboard HMS Anson, Mounts Bay, Cornwall |
| Allegiance |
 Great Britain United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Navy
|
| Years of service | 1780–1807 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands held |
HMS Utile HMS Fury HMS Kite HMS Anson |
| Battles/wars |
|
Charles Lydiard (fl. 13 May 1780 – 29 December 1807) was an officer of the Royal Navy who served during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Lydiard's origins are obscure, but he joined the navy in 1780 and rose through the ranks after distinguished service in the early years of the French Revolutionary Wars, particularly during the Siege of Toulon. He saw action in several engagements in the Mediterranean, and had a part in the defeat of a French frigate in 1795. The chance for promotion passed him by however when the French ship escaped. He again demonstrated his qualities on a cutting-out expedition under the guns of a French shore battery, and this time was successful in escaping with his prize. He was promoted and appointed to the command of his prize, and went on to be captain of several small vessels before a period of unemployment caused by his promotion to post-captain. He returned to active service in 1805 with command of the razee HMS Anson, in which ship he distinguished himself in a number of incidents in the West Indies, capturing a Spanish frigate, attacking a French ship of the line, and helping to capture the island of Curaçao. He returned to Britain after these exploits, but his ship was caught in a gale, and despite his best efforts, was driven ashore and wrecked. Lydiard did his utmost to save as many of his men as he could, before being swept away and drowned.
Lydiard's origins are largely unknown, but his entry to the navy is recorded as being on 13 May 1780, when he joined the 100-gun HMS Britannia as a captain's servant. The Britannia was at this time the flagship of Vice-Admiral George Darby, commander of the Channel Fleet. Lydiard was appointed an able seaman on 25 July 1781, and on 27 May 1782 was transferred to the 44-gun HMS Resistance, at first as an able seaman, but receiving a promotion to midshipman on 12 October that year. He went on to serve aboard the 74-gun HMS Bombay Castle and HMS Edgar, and passed his lieutenant's examination on 27 May 1791. He was serving with Lord Hood's fleet during the occupation of Toulon in the early months of the French Revolutionary Wars. Lydiard distinguished himself with his actions during the hard-fought defence of Fort Mulgrave, and received his commission on 25 November 1793.
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