A Naval Biographical Dictionary/Tatham, Edward
TATHAM. (Commander, 1846.)
Edward Tatham passed his examination in 1831; and obtained his first commission 12 Jan. 1838. His succeeding appointments were – 2 Aug. 1838, as Additional-Lieutenant, to the Melville 74, flag-ship of Hon. Geo. Elliot at the Cape of Good Hope – 15 Nov. following, to the Columbine 16, Capts. Geo. Elliot and Thos. Jordaine Clarke, on the North America and West India and East India stations – 31 Aug. and 9 Oct. 1841, as First, to the Belvidera 38, Capt. Hon. Geo. Grey, and Spartan 26, Capt. Hon. Chas. G. J. B. Elliot, the latter attached to the force on the coast of North America and in the West Indies, whence he returned in 1845 – and, 18 Feb. 1846, in a similar capacity, to the Raleigh 50, fitting for the broad pendant of Sir Thos. Herbert. While lying in Pinop Reach on the night of 16 April following, Mr. Tatham, hearing from his bed that a sentinel had fallen overboard, immediately sprang upon deck and precipitated himself off the gangway into the river. Although an intense fog prevailed at the time, and the weather was cold in the extreme, he succeeded, at the peril of his own life, in saving the marine. When taken on board he retired to his berth in a state of great exhaustion, but in the morning was up and at his duty. For his heroic conduct he was promoted to the rank of Commander 6 June following. He was re-appointed to the Raleigh in the course of the same month; and is now serving in her on the S.E. coast of America. Agents – Messrs. Ommanney.