A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Dorville, John William
DORVILLE. (Lieutenant, 1841.)
John William Dorville entered the Navy, 8 May, 1828, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Samarang 28, Capt. Wm. Fanshawe Martin, stationed in the Mediterranean; where he afterwards served, as Midshipman and Mate, in the Stag 46, Capt. Sir Edw. Thos. Troubridge, Malabar 74, and Canopus 84, both commanded by Capt. Hon. Josceline Percy, and Bellerophon 74, Capts. Sam. Jackson and Chas. John Austen. While in the latter ship he took part in the Syrian operations of 1840; and, on the evening of the day after the bombardment of Beyrout, attracted general admiration by his cool determination and undaunted bravery in alone landing, and capturing an Egyptian flag, in face of the most startling obstructions, all of which he gallantly surmounted, although ultimately discovered and pursued. Mr. Dorville, who had passed his examination 19 Aug. 1834, obtained his commission 23 Nov. 1841, and soon after sailed for China in the Minden hospital-ship, Capt. Mich. Quin. He has been employed in the Pacific since 27 Sept. 1845, on board the Juno 26, Capt. Pat. John Blake, latterly as First-Lieutenant.
DORVILLE. (Lieutenant, 1841.)
John William Dorville became First-Lieutenant of the Juno in Nov. 1845, and continued to serve as such in the Grampus 50, Capt. Henry Byam Martin, to which ship he was removed 10 July, 1847, until paid off in Oct. 1848.