A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Bedwell, Edward Parker

1634572A Naval Biographical Dictionary — Bedwell, Edward ParkerWilliam Richard O'Byrne

BEDWELL. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 9; h-p., 32.)

Edward Parker Bedwell entered the Navy, 17 Dec. 1806, as Sec.-cl. Vol., on board the Ceres, Lieut.Commander Geo. Wastell Hooper; on removing from which ship, as Midshipman, to the Cherub 18, Capt. Geo. Ravenshaw, he co-operated with the Swedes at the defence of Stralsund and the island of Rugen – attended the ensuing expedition to Copenhagen – and, early in 1808, proceeded with convoy to the West Indies. In Nov. following he joined L’Epervier 18, Capt. Alex. Nesbitt; and he continued to serve on the same station until 1812, as Master’s Mate, successively, of the Snap 16, Capt. Thos. Barclay, Peruvian 18, Capts. Fras. Dickinson and Amos Freeman Westropp, Mercury 32, Capt. Westropp, and Helena 18, Capt. Henry Montresor. During that period he assisted at the reduction of the French and Dutch islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, the Saintes, St. Martin’s, and St. Eustatius; and was also instrumental to the capture and destruction of many of the enemy’s armed vessels, privateers, and merchantmen, particularly of the French national brig Le Cygne of 18 guns, which was driven on shore under the batteries of Pearl Rook, Martinique, after a contest of four hours, and ultimately annihilated; of the Yankee American privateer, taken after a chase of 12 hours; and of the Portsea East Indiaman, recaptured by the Helena. In Feb. 1813, soon after his return home, Mr. Bedwell jomed the Success troop-ship, Capt. Thos. Barclay, and proceeded to the Chesapeake, where he witnessed, also as Master’s Mate, the attack on Craney Island and Hampton. On his removal, in Dec. following, to La Hogue 74, Capt. Hon. Thos. Bladen Capel, he served, as Midshipman, at the blockade of New London. He next aided, in the boats, at the total destruction, 8th April, 1814, near Pettipague Point, of 27 of the enemy’s vessels, together with all their dockyards and stores, a service which obtained from the Commander-in-Chief a public letter of thanks; and, on 31 May, while endeavouring, in the yawl, to destroy a ship under Long Island, he received two severe gun-shot wounds, from the effects of which he still suffers, the balls never having been extracted. We should not omit to state that, for his conduct on a previous occasion, when nearly thrown overboard during a mutiny in a prize of which he had charge to Bermuda, Mr. Bedwell had been highly complimented by Capt. Skipsey, President of the court-martial which subsequently sentenced the ringleaders. After serving for some months in the West Indies, on board La Pique 36, Capt. Hon. Anthony Maitland, he returned to England, and was paid off 22 July, 1815; antecedently to which, on 28 Feb., he had been promoted to his present rank. He has not since been employed.

Lieut. Bedwell, in consideration of his wounds, was presented with a gratuity from the Patriotic Fund. He married, 5 Nov. 1830, Harriet, daughter of the Rev. Wm. Creasy Drew, Rector of Sandingham-cum-Bavingley, and of North Runcton, co. Norfolk, by whom he has issue.