A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Drake, Robert Hacche
DRAKE. (Retired Commander, 1840. f-p., 13; h-p., 35.)
Robert Hacche Drake, a member of the ancient family of Drake, of Ashe, is related to the present Rev. Zachary Hammett Drake, of Springfield, near Barnstaple, co. Devon, son-in-law of Vice-Admiral Sir Sam. Pym, K.C.B.
This officer entered the Navy, 23 June, 1799, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Venture 8, Lieut-Commanders Dan. Burdwood and Robt. Jump, stationed in the Channel and off Gibraltar. Having attained the rating of Midshipman nearly two years previously, he removed, 1 Feb. 1803, to the Dragon 74, Capts. John Aylmer and Edw. Griffith; under the former of whom he witnessed the capture, 18 June following, of La Colombe national corvette of 16 guns. In 1805 he became Master’s Mate of the Prince George 98, Capt. Geo. Losack; and on being next appointed Sub-Lieutenant, 9 April, 1806, of the Flamer gun-brig, Lieut.-Commander W. Dick, continued to serve in that vessel until promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, 15 Aug. 1806. Between Jan. 1807, and Oct. 1813, Mr. Drake was employed, chiefly on the Home station, on board the Vulture, Capt. Joseph Pearce, St. George 98, Capt. Thos. Bertie, Hero 74, Capt. Jas. Newman Newman, Nassau 64, Capt. Robt. Campbell, Namur 74, flag-ship of Sir John Wells, Pompée 74, Capt. Sir Jas. Athol Wood, and Barham 74, Capt. John Wm. Spranger. During that period he attended, in the Vulture, the expedition to Copenhagen in Aug. 1807; and when returning home from St. Helena in escort of an East India convoy, volunteered the command of one of four boats, and assisted at the capture, 6 Sept. 1809, after a chase of two hours, of Le Jean Bart French lugger privateer, of 4 guns and 25 men.[1] Commander Drake, who has not been employed since the peace, accepted the rank he now holds 21 April, 1840.
- ↑ Vide Gaz. 1809, p. 1439.