A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Crooke, Thomas Leslie
CROOKE. (Lieut., 1815. f-p., 9; h-p., 32.)
Thomas Leslie Crooke entered the Navy, 10 Dec. 1806, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board La Flêche 18, Capt. Thos. White, whom he subsequently followed, as Midshipman, into the Ariel 18, St. George 98, and Ruby 64, on the Channel and Baltic stations. In Feb. 1811, he joined the Vanguard 74, Capt. Henry Rich. Glynn; and removing, next, to the Dictator 64, Capts. Robt. Williams and Jas. Pattison Stewart, commanded a boat at the cutting out of a schooner and other vessels from under a heavy fire in the Baltic. On 6 July, 1812, being in company with the Calypso 18, we find the Dictator gallantly effecting the capture and destruction, within the rocks of Mardoe, on the Norway coast, of a whole Danish sqnadron, consisting of the Nayaden of 48 guns, the Laland, Samsoe, and Kiel sloops, and several gun-boats, after a long contest, which occasioned a loss to the British 64 of 5 men killed and 24 wounded, and to the Danes of 300 killed and wounded. Until the conclusion of hostilities, Mr. Crooke was next employed, in succession, on board the Shamrock 18, Capt. Andrew Pellet Green, stationed in the Channel – Vigo 74, flag-ship in the Baltic of Rear-Admiral Graham Moore – Gloucester 74, Capt. Robt. Williams, whom he accompanied with convoy to the Leeward Islands – and Prince Regent 56, and St. Lawrence 98, bearing each the broad pendant of Commodore Sir Jas. Lucas Yeo on Lake Ontario, where he took part in many active operations. Since the receipt of his commission, 13 March, 1815, the subject of this notice has been on half-pay. Agent – J. Hinxman.