A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Dew, Roderick
DEW. (Lieutenant, 1846.)
Roderick Dew passed his examination 1 June, 1842; and until the receipt of his commission, dated 7 Feb. 1846, served, on the Mediterranean, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific stations, as Mate of the Snake 16, Capt. Hon. Walter Bourchier Devereux, Lily 16, Capt. Geo. Baker, and Collingwood 80, flag- ship of Sir Geo. Fras. Seymour. He continued for some time to be borne on the books of the Collingwood, in the capacity of Additional-Lieutenant; and, since 20 Nov. 1846, has been employed, also in the Pacific, on board the Sampson steam-frigate, Capt. Thos. Henderson.
This officer has on several occasions most nobly rescued persons from drowning, under circumstances of great difficulty and peril. The last instance of his heroic conduct occurred on the night of 20 Aug. 1844, when, although very dark, and the wind blowing fresh, he dashed overboard from the Collingwood, at Spithead, and at great personal risk saved the life of the Hon. F. Walpole, who had by some accident fallen into the sea. He was in consequence strongly recommended to the Admiralty by Sir G. F. Seymour.