A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Bedford, Robert Tench

1634571A Naval Biographical Dictionary — Bedford, Robert TenchWilliam Richard O'Byrne

BEDFORD. (Lieutenant, 1841.)

Robert Tench Bedford is brother of Lieut. D. B. Bedford, R.N.

This officer entered the Navy 1 Sept. 1827; passed his examination 11 Nov. 1834; and served as Mate of the Hastings 72, Capt. John Lawrence, throughout the Syrian campaign of 1840. On 2 Oct. in that year he accompanied Capt. Hen. John Worth in the attack on the castle of Beyrout, and was present with him at the gallant destruction of the train which had been laid to the magazine; and in the course of the same day he was employed in the boats, under Capt. Fras. Decimus Hastings, in a renewed and very successful attempt made to remove the powder there located.[1] Since his promotion, which took place 23 Oct. 1841, at which period he was serving on board the Illustrious 72, flag-ship of Sir Chas. Adam, on the North America and West India station, Mr. Bedford’s appointments have been – on 30 of the latter month, to the Vanguard 80, Capt. Sir Dav. Dunn, in the Mediterranean – 22 Feb. 1842, to the Queen 110, in which ship, and the Formidable 84, he officiated for a considerable time as Flag-Lieutenant on the same station to Sir Edw. W. C. R. Owen – and, 9 Dec. 1845, to the Superb 80, Capt. Armar Lowry Corry, now attached to the Squadron in the Channel.

Lieut. Bedford was appointed Gentleman Usher in Residence to the Queen Dowager 2 Jan. 1846.


  1. Vide Gaz. 1840, p. 2610.