Royal Naval Biography/Colby, David
DAVID COLBY, EsqDAVID COLBY,
[Post-Captain of 1802.]
This officer lost an arm when serving as first Lieutenant of the Robust 74, commanded by Captain (now Sir Edward) Thornbrough, in the action between Sir John B. Warren and Mons. Bompart, Oct. 12, 1798[1]. He subsequently commanded the Dido, a small frigate armed-en-flute, and employed as a troopship on the Mediterranean station. His promotion to post rank took place April 29, 1802; previous to which he had received the Turkish gold medal, for his services on the coast of Egypt. During the late war we find him serving as Flag Captain to his former commander, on the North Sea and Mediterranean stations. He married, May 22, 1806, Mrs. Costin, formerly of Bedford.