A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Read, Thomas
READ. (Commander, 1829.)
Thomas Read entered the Navy in 1797, and until promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, 20 Feb. 1805, was actively employed in various parts of Europe and the West Indies. We understand that during that period he fought under Lord Nelson at the battles of the Nile and Copenhagen, 1 Aug. 1798 and 2 April, 1801; and that he assisted in storming the forts of Cambudos, Groba, and Fégard. On 21 Oct. 1805 he was at Trafalgar in the Swiftsure 74, Capt. Wm. Geo. Rutherford. After the action he was placed in charge of the French 74-gun ship Redoutable; and he remained in her until she went down in the memorable gale that followed. During the after-part of the war he saw much other active service. On one occasion, with two six-oared cutters and a jolly boat, he made prize, under the batteries of Boulogne, of a French gun-boat, L’Eclair, carrying 1 12-pounder, 8 swivels, a crew of 26 men, and 50 soldiers. In reference to this exploit Lord Keith, in addressing the Admiralty, took leave “to recommend Lieut. Read for promotion,” and to declare that “a more gallant action was not performed during the war.” He was in consequence, we believe, presented with a gold medal. For his exertions on another occasion in re-taking an Austrian merchantman a similar mark of approval was conferred upon him by the Emperor of Austria. In two instances we find him voted swords of the value of 100 guineas each – the one being presented to him by Admiral Sir Geo. Montagu, the other by Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin. He has been wounded, we must add, in the head, thigh, and body, and has lost the use of his left arm; in consideration whereof he has been in the receipt, since 26 Sept. 1814, of a pension of 91l. 5s. per annum. In March, 1819, he received an appointment to the Ordinary at Portsmouth; and prior to his attainment of his present rank, 7 Feb. 1829, he commanded the Raven 14 and Cracker 10. He was admitted into the Royal Hospital at Greenwich 25 Nov. 1843.