A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Puckford, James
PUCKFORD. (Commander, 1827. f-p., 17; h-p., 20.)
James Puckford entered the Navy 10 June, 1810, as Midshipman, on board the Nisus 38, Capts. Philip Beaver and Chas. Marsh Schomberg, under the former of whom he assisted at the reduction of the Isles of France and Java. He continued to serve on the Cape station until the early part of 1814; between which period and June, 1822, we find him employed in North America and the Channel, at St. Helena, and in South America in the Liffey 50, Capt. John Hancock, Newcastle 60, bearing the flag of Sir Pulteney Malcolm, Andromache 38, Capt. Wm. Henry Shirreff, and Superb 74, Capt. Adam Mackenzie. Of the ship last mentioned he became an acting and a confirmed Lieutenant 22 Feb. and 8 Sept. 1821. His subsequent appointments were – 13 Nov. 1822 to the Valorous 26, Capt. Jas. Murray, fitting for the West Indies, whence he returned in June, 1824 – and, 14 Sept. 1824, to the Chanticleer 10, commanded by Capt. Chas. Jas. Hope Johnstone, for a short time by himself as Acting-Commander, and by Capt. John Balfour Maxwell, on the Mediterranean station. He was advanced to his present rank on bis arrival in England 15 Dec. 1827; and has since been on half-pay.
Commander Puckford married, 10 Nov. 1834, Mary, daughter of the Rev. J. F. Muckston, D.D., Prebendary of Lichfield, by whom he has issue one daughter.