Pleydell-Bouverie served in the Royal Navy, entering the Academy at Portsmouth in 1793. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 16 February 1799 and to Commander on 14 February 1801. His first command was HMS Penguin from 28 August. Bouverie was promoted to post captain in HMS Braave on 2 April 1802. He commanded several ships in various duties until being appointed to HMS Medusa on 20 February 1806. He held this command for seven years, taking part in the operations in the Río de la Plata (1806-7) including the blockade and siege of Montevideo.[2]
In November 1806, Medusa apprehended the American trading brig Harry and Jane, and pressed a number of its crew into service with the Royal Navy. Included in these "volunteers" was an English sailor, George Thomas, who was a skilled navigator. Bouverie rapidly promoted him, and he went on to become a distinguished hydrographic surveyor.[3] Bouverie, supported by Alexander DalrympleHydrographer of the Navy, published a report with sailing directions for the Río de la Plata based on his own observations and surveys.[4]
Upon returning from South America, Bouverie continued to be active in the war with France and Spain, being noted particularly for his actions in support of the anti-French forces in the north of Spain.[2][5]
From 1828 to 1831 he commanded HMS Windsor Castle, was promoted to Rear-Admiral on 10 January 1837, and to Vice-Admiral on 9 November 1846.[2][1]
^Walker, David; Webb, Adrian (2018). "The Making of Mr George Thomas RN, Admiralty Surveyor for Home Waters from 1810". The Mariner's Mirror. 104 (2): 211–224. doi:10.1080/00253359.2018.1453651. S2CID165437238.
