A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Gambier, Robert Fitzgerald
GAMBIER. (Captain, 1846. f-p., 12; h-p., 19.)
Robert Fitzgerald Gambier, born 21 Nov. 1803, at Lisbon, is second son of Sir Jas. Gambier, F.R.S., H.M. Consul-General in the Netherlands; grandson of the late Vice-Admiral Gambier, whose nephew, James, was the late Admiral Lord Gambier, G.C.B., and second-cousin of Capt. R. Gambier, R.N. One of his brothers, Mark, is an officer in tie Army; and another, Ferdinand, served on board the Philomel at the battle of Navarin.
This officer entered the Navy, 28 Feb. 1816, as Fst.-cl. Vol., on board the Myrmidon 20, commanded by his relative, Capt. Robt. Gambier, on the Mediterranean station. In Dec. 1818 he became Midshipman for some months of the Bulwark 76, flag-ship of Sir John Gore in the river Medway; after which we find him serving in South America and the East Indies, on board the Owen Glendower 42, Capt. Hon. Robt, Cavendish Spencer, Dauntless 24, Capt. Geo. Cornish Gambier, Liffey 50, Commodore Chas. Grant, and Tees 26, Capt. Thos. Coe, of which latter vessel he became Acting-Lieutenant 1 April, 1823. Being officially promoted 22 Oct. following, he was appointed, 7 June, 1824, to the Blonde 46, Capt. Lord Byron, under whom he was employed in conveying the remains of the late King and Queen of the Sandwich Islands to Otaheite; and, 6 Oct. 1826, to the Asia 84, bearing the flag of Sir Edw. Codrington. After participating in the battle of Navarin, Mr. Gambier was presented by the latter officer with the extra commission placed at his disposal, dated 21 Oct. 1827. He obtained command, 2 Aug. 1845, of the Sappho 16, at the Capo of Good Hope; and, on 9 Nov. 1846, was advanced to the rank he now holds. He is at present on half-pay.
Capt. Gambier married, 18 Jan. 1838, Hester, only daughter of Thos. Butler, Esq., of Berry Lodge, Hants. Agents – Messrs. Stilwell.