In 1810 Thomas succeeded Spence and commissioned the survey brig HMS Investigator1 See HMS Investigator (1811) – Wikipedia . There was another HMS Investigator, just before this, which was Matthew Flinders’ ship: they are different. in 1810 which he was to command for twenty-six years. He then had HMS Mastiff for ten years and died aboard. For some of that time his son, who was to become a Commander, was his assistant. His surveys mainly covered the North Sea.
He was the first naval hydrographic surveyor continuously employed in the nineteenth century. His tenure was due to the high regard of the three Admiralty hydrographers whom he served until 1846. although he remained a Master and did not achieve commissioned rank. He received poor treatment from the Navy as shown in a letter seeking preferment for his son:
Mastiff, Woolwich 22nd January 1840.
Sir, I beg leave to communicate to you that having served thirty years as Maritime Surveyor under the Hydrographical Department, during which period my services have been called into requisition on several important occasions, led me to apply to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for promotion, considering that the arduous duties performed, and my long services entitled me to a claim upon them; but it appearing by their Lordships letter of the 27th of December, 1837, that the door of promotion is for ever shut against me, and that I must remain the remainder of my life the Junior Officer of my class as far as pay is concerned: I most humbly implore you to urge my claims in favour of my son, Mr. Fred. Wm, Leopd. Thomas: he has served thirteen years in the Investigator and Mastiff under my command, the latter four years as Assistant. Surveyor, and has passed examination for a Lieutenant in Her Majesty’s Navy five years.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your very humble Servant,
Geo. THOMAS, Master Commanding.
A strange co-incidence is that on the 1736 Kirby map a G. Thomas Esq. is shown at Ramsholt, too early to be this one.
- 1See HMS Investigator (1811) – Wikipedia . There was another HMS Investigator, just before this, which was Matthew Flinders’ ship: they are different.
Image Credits and Sources
- 12-gun_gunbrigs_RMG_J4686: Unknown authorUnknown authorNavy Office, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons