of the memorable Baltic expedition, which sailed from Yarmouth Roads, under the command of Sir Hyde Parker, March 12, 1801. The glorious victory off Copenhagen, which speedily followed, is already recorded in our memoir of Sir Thomas Foley, who commanded Lord Nelson’s flag-ship on that occasion.
From the intricacy of the navigation, the Bellona grounded before she could enter into action; and by this unfortunate circumstance, Sir Thomas B. Thompson was prevented from taking so distinguished a part in the engagement as he would otherwise have done. But, though not on the spot which had been assigned her, she was highly serviceable. Being stationary, and within reach of the enemy’s batteries, the loss she sustained was considerable. It amounted to 11 men killed and 63 wounded. Among the latter number was her commander, who had the misfortune to lose one of his legs in the action.
For his services on this occasion, Sir Thomas B. Thompson, in common with the rest of the officers of the fleet, received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. His pension was increased to 500l. per annum[1]; and he was shortly after appointed to the Mary yacht, the command of which he retained for several years.
About the year 1806, our officer was nominated Comptroller of the Navy, which office he held till Feb. 1816, when he succeeded the late Sir John Colpoys, as Treasurer of the Royal Hospital at Greenwich; and about the same time was chosen a Director of the Chest, vice Lord Hood, deceased. He was created K.C.B. Jan. 2, 1815, and G.C.B. Sept. 14, 1822.
Sir Thomas B. Thompson sat several years in parliament as representative for the city of Rochester, his seat for which he vacated on receiving his last appointment. He married, Feb. 25th, 1799, Anne, eldest daughter of Robert Raikes, of the city of Gloucester, Esq., by whom he had several children.
A portrait of this officer, by G. Engleheart, was some years since exhibited at the Royal Academy.
Residence.– Hartsbourne, Manor-Place, co. Herts.
- ↑ According to the regulation of November 27, 1815, Sir Thomas’s pension was augmented to 700l per annum.
