A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Lyne, Thomas
LYNE. (Retired Captain, 1840. f-p., 16; h-p., 45.)
Thomas Lyne was born 17 Nov. 1768, at Ringwood.
This officer entered the Navy, 8 April, 1786, on board the Thisbe 28, Capts. Isaac Coffin and Sam. Hood, stationed at Halifax; where, from 1789 until 1791, he served, as Midshipman, in the Dido 28, Capt. Edw. Buller. After an attachment for short periods to various ships, he sailed for the Mediterranean in the Alcide 74, Capt. Robt. Linzee, and was present at the occupation of Toulon; while in command of a gun-boat at which place he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant 12 Oct. 1793. His succeeding appointments were – 29 Dec. in the latter year, for seven months, to the Gorgon, Capt. Jas. Wallis, also in the Mediterranean – 16 Dec. 1794, to the Culloden 74, Capt. Thos. Troubridge, under whom he bore a part in the actions of 13 July, 1795, and 14 Feb. 1797, off the Hyeres islands and Cape St. Vincent – and, 15 March, 1797, as Senior, to the Argo 44, Capt. Jas. Bowen. In Nov. 1798 he was present in the latter ship at the reduction of Minorca; and on 6 Feb. 1799 he assisted in taking the Spanish frigate Santa Teresa of 42 guns and 530 men, including 250 soldiers. During the chase which preceded the surrender of the enemy Mr. Lyne, as officially declared by his Captain, displayed great merit in keeping sight, and observing the different shifts, of the enemy, whereby great advantage accrued to the Argo. Much commendation was also bestowed on his professional skill and great exertions, after possession had been taken of the prize, in saving the tottering mast from tumbling overboard. The Argo, it appears, subsequently brought Earl St. Vincent home from the Mediterranean, conveyed nine homeward-bound Indiamen from St. Helena, and was for some time employed on the coast of Africa. Her First-Lieutenant attained the rank of Commander 29 April, 1802; and accepted that of Captain, on the Retired List, 10 Sept. 1840.