Royal Naval Biography/Boys, Thomas
THOMAS BOYS, Esq
Rear-Admiral of the White.
This officer was senior Lieutenant of the Britannia, a first-rate, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Hotham, in the action off Genoa, March 14, 1795[1], and after acting for some time as Captain of the Censeur, one of the prizes taken on that occasion, was promoted to the rank of Commander in la Fleche, of 18 guns, from which ship he was appointed acting Captain of the Fortitude, 74. His post commission bears date, July 3, 1796. From that period to the peace of Amiens, he commanded in succession la Tourterelle, of 30 guns; the Severn, 44; and Aquilon frigate; the former at the Leeward Islands, and the two latter on the Jamaica station. During his continuance in the West Indies, he captured a number of the enemy’s vessels, and among others, la Republique Triomphante, a French corvette, and several privateers.
We now lose sight of Captain Boys until 1808, when he was appointed, pro tempore, to the Saturn, 74, from which ship he removed into the Zealous, another third-rate. During the ensuing six years he was actively employed on the coasts of Spain and Portugal, in the defence of Cadiz, in the Baltic, and on the French coast. His last appointment was, Nov. 20, 1815, to the Ramillies, of 74 guns, stationed at Plymouth, where he remained during the customary period of three years. His promotion to the rank of Rear-Admiral took place Aug. 12, 1819.
We are not acquainted with the particulars of this officer’s marriage, but we know that his only son, Thomas, is in holy orders.
Residence.– Ramsgate.