A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Swinburn, William
SWINBURN. (Lieutenant, 1848.)
William Swinburn took part as Midshipman of the Alligator 28, Capt. Patrick John Blake, and Blenheim 72, Capt. Sir Humphrey Fleming Senhouse, in the operations on the coast of China; where he obtained official notice for his conduct in the attack upon Canton, and at the capture of Amoy and Chinghae. He passed his examination 8 Oct. 1844; served as Mate, on the Mediterranean and Home stations, in the Amazon 26, Capt. Jas. John Stopford, Warspite 50, Capt. Provo Wm. Parry Wallis, and St. Vincent 120, Commodore Sir Fras. Aug. Collier; and on 9 Nov. 1846 was presented with a Lieutenant’s commission, the date of which was afterwards altered to 2 Dec. 1848. Since 14 Feb. 1847 he has been employed in the Wanderer 12, Capt. Fred. Byng Montresor, on the coast of Africa.