A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Birch, Thomas Francis
BIRCH. (Commander, 1842.)
Thomas Francis Birch entered the Navy 2 Dec. 1830; passed his examination in 1837; and, after serving for some time as Mate of the Beagle 10, Capt. John Clements Wickham, in Australia, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant 16 July, 1840. On 23 of the same month he joined the Melville 72, flag-ship in the East Indies of Rear-Admiral Hon. George Elliot, on leaving which he was in succession appointed, 10 June and 17 Aug. 1841, to the Britomart 10, Capt. Owen Stanley, and Modeste 18, Capt. Rundle Burges Watson. As First-Lieutenant of the latter vessel during the campaign in China, he landed with the troops at the reduction of Chinghae, 10 Oct. 1841 – ably commanded the boats of the Modeste and E.I.C.’s ship Sesostris at the defence of Ningpo, 10 March, 1842 – and was employed on shore at the capture of Chapoo and of the batteries of Woosung, 28 May and 16 June, 1842.[1] For these services Mr. Birch was advanced to his present rank 30 Dec. 1842.[2] Since 7 Sept. 1844, he has been in command of the Waterwitch sloop of 10 guns. Agent – John P. Muspratt.