Sir Thomas Graves

Posted by Bob Brooks on Monday 5th of August 2013 20:57

The date of rank of Thomas Graves (c1747-1814) as a Lieutenant was 30 Oct 1765 per the "Navy List" in the 1774, 1775 & 1776 "Court and City Register."

During the American War he was appointed Lieut., HMS Lively, 6th/20, on 26 Jan 1774 (ADM 6/21, p.11) and proceeded to America; on 20 Dec 1774 his uncle VAdm Samuel Graves appointed him as Lieut. & Commander, HM Armed Schooner Diana, which was burned by rebels the night of 27-28 May 1775 when aground on the Winnisimet Ferry landing (Chelsea, Massachusetts). Seriously burned in the incident the facial scars are apparent on his portrait as an Admiral. During the Battle of Bunker Hill (17 June 1775), Graves commanded the army's Armed Sloop Spitfire (6 x 3pdr) armed for HM service by Gen Thomas Gage and manned from HMS Preston, 4th/50, VAdm Grave's flagship. On 07 July 1775, VAdm Graves appointed him Lieut. & Commander of HM Bomb-brig Bolton (4 x 3pdr + 2 howitzers) from which he was superseded and joined Preston and returned to England with his uncle.

Her apparently remained unemployed until he was posted as 1st Lieut, HMS Europa, 3rd/64, on 07 Feb 1778 (ADM 6/21, p. 364).