Royal Naval Biography/Carré, Robert Riddell
ROBERT RIDDELL CARRÉ, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1819.]
This officer is the third son of William Riddell, of Camiestown, in Roxburghshire, Esq. by Elizabeth, only daughter of John Carré, of Cavers-Carré, in the same county, Esq. On both sides he is descended from ancient families, for many centuries settled in that part of Scotland. He was born in Edinburgh, Feb. 27, 1782 and did not add the name of Carré to that of his paternal ancestors until the year 1817’
Mr Robert Riddell entered the navy in 1796, as midshipman on board the Albatross brig, Captain (now Rear-Admiral) George Scott, where he remained until that officer’s promotion, in June, 1798. Previous to his leaving the Albatross he witnessed the suppression of a mutiny among her crew; and assisted in capturing two of the enemy’s privateers[1]. He afterwards successively served under Captains William Brown, Charles Lydiard, and Archibald Collingwood Dickson, in the Kite brig and Veteran 64, on the North Sea and Baltic stations[2].
In April, 1803, Mr. Riddell, who had been serving on board one of the guard-ships at Plymouth, during the short peace of Amiens, joined the Sceptre 64, and proceeded with his former captain, then Sir Archibald C. Dickson, to the East India station, where he was appointed lieutenant of the same ship, in 1804; his commission, however, was not confirmed by the Admiralty until Oct. 5, 1805. He returned home from thence, invalided on account of ill health, in April, 1807.
Mr. Riddell’s next appointment was, in July following, to the Orion 74, and he continued in that ship, the latter part of the time as senior lieutenant, under Sir Archibald C. Dickson, in the North Sea and Baltic, until his advancement to the rank of commander, Feb. 1 . 1812. From Dec. 8 in that year, until Nov. 15, 1816, he commanded the Britomart of 10 guns, successively employed off the Scheldt and the Texel, on the Irish and Portsmouth stations, and in the brilliant expedition against Algiers[3].
Captain Riddell assumed the name and arms of Carré, in conformity to the will of his maternal uncle, Alexander Carré, Esq. who died in 1817, bequeathing to him the small but old family estate of Cavers Carré, where he has ever since resided. He obtained post rank, Aug. 12, 1819.