With the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars, Eyre served in the Mediterranean and was involved in the Siege of Toulon, before being given his first command, the 14-gun brig-sloop HMS Speedy.

Acquitted for the loss of his ship and given a new command, Eyre went out to the West Indies, but returned to Britain in 1799 and saw little further employment until 1806, when he joined the Mediterranean fleet and was active off the coast of Spain, supporting Spanish resistance to the French.

Returning to England again in 1811, he went ashore and was not actively employed for the rest of the Napoleonic Wars, though he received a knighthood and was later appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

Nelson decided to attack the recently garrisoned Turks Island, and 250 men were landed under the cover of supporting fire from the ships.

[4] With the end of the war Eyre returned to England with King aboard HMS Diamond, but soon rejoined the Resistance and went out to Halifax to join Sir Charles Douglas.

[5] Parry went out as commodore to Guinea, but ill-health obliged him to resign his command, and Eyre went to Newfoundland aboard Captain Trigge's HMS Nautilus.

Eyre joined Admiral Lord Howe's flagship HMS Queen Charlotte during the Spanish Armament, and in November 1790 was promoted to lieutenant.

Eyre took an active part in the Siege of Toulon, volunteering to command the detachment of marines landed from St George and sent to defend Fort La Malgue.

[7] Eyre replied that they had not, on which he was told by Martin that "...I must tell you that it is now un guerre à mort [a war to the death]; and if I had been the first to come alongside of you, I should have instantly sent you to the bottom.

The crew had been imprisoned on Martin's flagship Sans Culotte and had been severely treated, with their captain, Ross, not being allowed to wash or shave.

[1] While there he was appointed by Sir Hyde Parker to command the 44-gun HMS Regulus and carried out a number of cruises, capturing several prizes and winning himself riches and recognition.

[8] While cruising off Puerto Rico on 11 July 1798 Eyre located five merchant ships at anchor under a shore battery at Aguada, and decided to attempt to capture or destroy them.

[10][12] Magnificent initially served with the Channel Fleet, which was then under Admiral Lord St Vincent, before going out to the Bay of Biscay with Sir Eliab Harvey's squadron.

Eyre resolved to attack and capture it and together with General John Oswald and troops of the 35th Regiment of Foot made a landing on 22 March 1810.

On the occasion of his departure his subordinate, James Brisbane wrote My dear Commodore, - It is with the sincerest pleasure that I hasten to execute the wishes of my brother officers, of informing you, in the name of all of us who lately served under you in the blockade of Corfu, that we have sent directions to England to have a small piece of plate prepared, which we request your acceptance of, not for its value, but as a testimonial of our high esteem and affectionate regard, and a memorial of the happiness which we experienced while serving under your orders.

Eyre was particularly active off the coast of Valencia and evacuated the garrison of Oropesa del Mar, earning the thanks of General Joaquín Blake y Joyes.

[15] On being ordered back to England in 1811 Pellew also wrote a private letter of thanks, following on from his earlier declaration that 'I have to express my complete approbation of Captain Eyre's methods, and have much satisfaction of employing the services of that most excellent officer in the aid of the Valencia patriots.

'[16] Eyre arrived in England in 1812, his health having been affected by his five years on a foreign station, and requested and received permission to go ashore.

[10][16] Eyre was promoted to rear-admiral on 12 August 1819 and shortly afterwards received an offer from Lord Melville to take command of the Cape and St Helena stations, but was unable to accept owing to matters of a personal nature.

[16] Eyre was able to successfully manage delicate diplomatic and military duties, and was able to protect British rights and possessions in the area during periods of upheaval.

[17] The changes in climate had brought on an attack of gout, and on being informed that as Sir Thomas Hardy's squadron was already on the spot, he was at liberty to refuse the offer.

^ Speedy was retaken on 25 March 1795 by Captain Thomas Fremantle's HMS Inconstant, and went on to serve under a number of commanders, including Jahleel Brenton, and Hugh Downman, and won particular fame under Lord Cochrane, before her final loss to a French fleet on 3 July 1801.