A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Eyre, Thomas
EYRE. (Ret. Capt., 1846. f-p., 18; h-p., 35.)
Thomas Eyre entered the Navy, 13 Aug. 1794, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Seahorse 38, Capt. John Peyton, stationed in the Channel, where, and off Cadiz, he afterwards, in 1796-7, served, as Midshipman, in the Alexander, Swiftsure, and Blenheim 74’s, all commanded by Capt. Arthur Phillip. Removing then to the Kingfisher 18, Capt. Chas. Herbert Pierrepont, he assisted, 8 Jan. 1798, at the capture, after a gallant conflict of nearly two hours, of the Betsy French privateer, of 16 guns. From the following Nov. until Oct. 1800, he also served, chiefly on the Home station, in the Defence 74, Capt. Thos. Stevenson, Thalia 36, Capts. Rich. Dalling Dunn and Josiah Nisbet, Seahorse 38, Capt. Edw. Jas. Foote, and Ville de Paris 110, bearing the flag of Earl St. Vincent. On quitting the latter ship Mr. Eyre became Acting-Lieutenant of the Defiance 74, Capt. Thos. Revell Shivers. He was confirmed, 2 Dec. following, into the Boadicea 38, Capt. Chas. Rowley; and was subsequently appointed, on the Home and Lisbon stations – 4 May, 1802, to the Nemesis 28, Capt. Philip Somerville – 29 Oct. 1804, to the Repulse 74, Capt. Hon. Arthur Kaye Legge, under whom he bore a part in Sir Robt. Calder’s action, 22 July, 1805 – 22 Aug. 1805, to the Sybille 38, Capt. Robt. Winthrop – and, 15 Jan. 1808, to the Barfleur 98, flagships of Admirals Wm. Albany Otway and Hon. Geo. Cranfield Berkeley. Assuming the rank of Commander 25 July, 1812, he next joined, 11 June, 1814, the Thisbe 28, bearing the flag of Hon. A. K. Legge, off Greenwich. He returned to half-pay in 1815, and, on 14 May, 1846, was invested with the rank he now holds.