Charles Austen's Family

Charles John Austen (II). [2]
Portrait of Commander Charles John Austen 1821-1867
The Naval General Service medal awarded to Charles John Austen.

Born May 28th 1821.
From O'Byrne's Naval Biographical Dictionary:
This officer entered the Royal Navy on February 15th 1833.
Passed his examination June 6th 1840 and then, while serving as Mate of the 'Bellerophon' of 80 guns, commanded by his father – was present at the fall of St. Jean d'Acre.
After an attachment to the 'Excellent', gunnery ship at Portsmouth and the 'Agincourt' of 72 guns, flag-ship in the East Indies of Sir Thomas Cochrane – he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, by commission dated June 25th 1844.
He was then re-appointed to the 'Agincourt' and continued to serve in her until removed, June 11th 1845, to the 'Serpent' of 16 guns.
On May 8th 1846 he was appointed, for surveying duties, to the 'Vindictive' of 50 guns, bearing the flag of his uncle Sir Francis William Austen on the North America and West Indies station – becoming Flag-Lieutenant January 18th 1847.
He was promoted to the rank of Commander on the paying off of the 'Vindictive', on June 7th 1848.
From April 29th 1851 until May 1856 he was employed as Inspecting-Commander in the Coast Guard, at Newcastle, co. Down.
On July 2nd 1856 he was appointed Assistant-Secretary to the Sailor's Home in Well Street, London Docks.
On January 1st 1859 he was again appointed Inspecting-Commander in the Coast-Guard, at Penzance.
On April 18th 1865 he became Naval Agent in charge of Mails aboard a Contract Steam Vessel. He was awarded the Naval General Service medal, with bar 'Syria' (inscribed 'C.J. Austen, Mate'.) and the St. Jean d'Acre medal in silver.
He married, September 6th 1848, Sophia Emma, daughter of E. de Blois, of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Commander Austen died suddenly, January 22nd 1867, off Guadaloupe, at the age of 46 - having had issue:

Charles John Austen (II)
Sophia Emma de Blois

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