A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Coryton, Henry

1664881A Naval Biographical Dictionary — Coryton, HenryWilliam Richard O'Byrne

CORYTON. (Commander, 1841.)

Henry Coryton, born 28 March, 1810, is second surviving son of John Tillie Coryton, Esq., of Pentillie Castle, co. Cornwall, hy Elizabeth, second daughter of the late Admiral Hon. John Leveson Gower.

This officer entered the Navy 7 Nov. 1822; passed his examination in 1829; and obtained his first commission 22 Sept. 1835. He was afterwards appointed, on the African, American, and East India stations – 27 Nov. 1835, to the Thalia 46, Capt. Robt. Wauchope – 17 Maj’, 1836, to the Melville 74, flag-ship of Sir Peter Halkett – 20 Aug. 1836, to the Racehorse 18, Capt. Sir James Everard Home – 13 Jan. 1837, to the Gannet 16, Capt. Wm. Geo. Hyndham Whish – 14 July, 1838, as First Lieutenant, to the Herald 28, Capt. Joseph Nias – and, 23 July, 1839, to the Conway 28, Capt. Chas. Ramsay Drinkwater Bethune. In March, 1841, we find him commanding the Conway’s boats in conjunction with Lieut. Geo. Beadon at the capture of some forts and rafts at the Canton entrance of the Macao Passage; and, on 26 May following, similarly participating in the capture of the whole line of defences extending about two miles from the British factory at Canton.[1] He shared, also, in the other hostilities carried on against that city. He was promoted to his present rank, as a reward for his services, 8 Oct. 1841;[2] and since 14 Dec. 1844 has been in command of the Persian 16, on the North America and West India station. Agents – Hallett and Robinson.


  1. Vide Gaz. 1841. pp. 1503, 2500.
  2. Vide Gaz. 1841, p. 2539.