Royal Naval Biography/Janvrin, Richard Gaire
RICHARD GAIRE JANVRIN, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1810.]
We first find this officer serving as a midshipman under Sir W. Sidney Smith, at the defence of St. Jean d’Acre, in 1799. Whilst thus employed he was wounded by a musket-ball passing through the muscle under his left arm, but which does not appear to have incapacitated him for more than a few weeks. On his recovery he was entrusted by his heroic chief with the command of the flotilla on the coast of Damietta. He next joined the flag-ship of Lord Keith, who, we believe, gave him a commission, in the year 1800.
From this period we lose sight of Captain Janvrin until he received an appointment to a command in the flotilla attached to the Walcheren expedition. The evacuation of that island being at length determined upon, he was then charged by Sir Richard J. Strachan with the duties of the port of Flushing, and Commodore (now Sir Edward) Owen, who conducted the retreat from that place, officially acknowledged that he found in him “a most zealous second and supporter.” The bravery and spirit manifested by the officers and crews of the gun-boats, and their cheerful submission to the necessary privations of that peculiar service, have been noticed at p. 71 et seq. of Suppl. Part I. – “All” says Sir Richard J. Strachan, “supported the character of British seamen!”
Captain Janvrin’s post commission bears date, Oct. 21, 1810. He married the widow of Lieutenant Lord, R.N.
Agents.– Messrs. Maude.