A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Jewers, Richard Francis

1770720A Naval Biographical Dictionary — Jewers, Richard FrancisWilliam Richard O'Byrne

JEWERS, K.W. (Lieutenant, 1809. f-p., 11; h-p., 33.)

Richard Francis Jewers entered the Navy, in June, 1803, as A.B., on board the Matilda hospital-ship at Woolwich, Lieut.-Commander Jas. James; and from July, 1804, until promoted to the rank of Lieutenant 5 July, 1809, served as Midshipman and Master’s Mate in the Cleopatra 32, and Milan 38, both commanded by Sir Robt. Laurie, Cambrian 40, Capts. John Poo Beresford and Hon. Chas. Paget, and Theseus 74, Capt. J. P. Beresford, on the North American and Home stations. He was in consequence in the Cleopatra when captured, 17 Feb. 1805, after a brilliant and self-sought action of nearly three hours, and a loss of 20 killed and 38 wounded, by La Ville de Milan of 46 guns; and 350 men, 10 of whom were slain; and also when retaken, a few days subsequently, by the Leander 50, Capt. John Talbot. While on the books of the Theseus Mr. Jewers was severely wounded in the head and hands in a fire-ship in Lord Cochrane’ attack upon the French shipping in Aix Roads im April, 1809.[1] He continued to serve with Capt. Beresford on the stations above named in the Theseus and Poictiers 74’s, until Feb. 1814, and was present in the latter ship at the capture of four American vessels, carrying in all 55 guns, and at the retaking of the British brig-of-war Frolic. The Lieutenant, who has since been on half-pay, is now one of the Naval Knights of Windsor.

The wound he received in 1809 was compensated by a grant from the Patriotic Society.


  1. Vide Gaz. 1809, p. 539.