LIARDET, FRANCIS (1798-1863) joined the Mercury in 1809, and saw service in Greenland, North America, the West Indies and West Africa. In 1819 he visited the East Indies as mate of a merchant ship. Serving later in the Hyperion (42 guns) against pirates in the West Indies, he was detached to the schooner Union, and thus came into contact with Lieutenant (afterwards Governor) Hobson (q.v.), whom he succeeded in command of the schooner Lion (1824). In operations on the coast of Yucatan (1823) he received two severe gunshot wounds. Hobson was made prisoner and Liardet took command of the boats, receiving the warm praise of Hobson for his zeal, bravery and perseverance. While in command of the Lion, Liardet captured nine pirates and retook the French ship Calypso, which he reloaded and carried off the shoals. Promoted lieutenant (1825), he became commander of the Powerful (84 guns) in 1838, and gained post rank for distinguished service at the siege of Acre (1840) as flag captain to Sir C. Napier.

His friendship with Wakefield secured him a post in the New Zealand Company and he sailed in the Whitby (1841). Liardet was banqueted at Wellington, and proceeded to take up the post of agent at New Plymouth. He had scarcely entered on his duties when he suffered severe injuries by an explosion while trying to clear the vent of a 4-pounder gun on the beach (29 Nov). Partially recovered, he returned to England (Feb 1842) and did not realise his hope of making New Zealand his home. In 1856 Liardet became a governor of Greenwich Hospital, dying there on 1 Mar 1863. He published Recollections of Seamanship and Discipline; Friendly Hints to the Young Lieutenant; and The Midshipman's Companion.

Wells; Scholefield, Hobson; Taranaki Herald and Budget, 18 Dec 1928 (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 266

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