A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Newman, Robert Amyett
NEWMAN. (Lieutenant, 1827.)
Robert Amyett Newman assisted, while Midshipman of the Courageux 74, Capts. Chas. Boyles and Rich. Lee, at the reduction of Ste. Lucie, in July, 1803, also in Sir Rich. John Strachan’s action with the four line-of-battle ships escaped from Trafalgar 4 Nov. 1805, and at the capture, 13 March, 1806, of the Marengo 80, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Linois, and 40-gun frigate Belle Foule. On becoming attached to the San Domingo 74, successive flag-ship of Sir R. J. Strachan and Sir .John Borlase Warren, he accompanied the expedition of 1809 to the Walcheren, and served in her boats at the capture of four privateers in the Chesapeake, and in the attack made in 1813 on Crany Island, Hampton, and other places. In charge, on one occasion, of a prize, he succeeded in taking a merchant-ship laden with valuable naval stores; and while serving in the Chesapeake in a tender he was wounded. In 1815, being then in the Phoenix 36, Capt. Chas. John Austen, he again saw much boat-service against the pirates of the Grecian Archipelago; where, we believe, he was wrecked during a hurricane, 20 Feb. 1816. On 11 Dec. 1827, eleven years after he had passed his examination, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. His appointments have since been – 19 Feb. 1830, to the Coast Blockade, in which service he continued, as Supernumerary-Lieutenant of the Talavera 74, Capt. Hugh Pigot, until it was broken up in 1831 10 April, 1840, to the San Josef 110, flag-ship of Rear-Admirals Fred. Warren and Sir Sam. Pym, Admiral-Superintendents at Plymouth, where he was superseded in May, 1843 – and, 7 Nov. in the latter year, to the command, which he still retains, of a station in the Coast Guard.
In July, 1846, Lieut. Newman received a Silver Medal from the Royal Humane Society as a reward for the manner in which he had risked his existence by throwing himself into the water to the rescue of others. He is married and has issue.