Son of F. L. Beckford, Esq., of Southampton. His first commission bears date Nov. 27th, 1810. He subsequently served under Captains Lucius Curtis and Bentinck C. Doyle, in the Madagascar frigate. His last appointment was, Oct. 2d, 1819, to be flag-lieutenant to Rear-Admiral (now Sir Robert Waller) Otway, commander-in-chief at Leith, where he continued for the usual period of three years. His promotion to the rank of commander took place on the 30th Nov. 1821.

This officer married, Nov. 6th, 1828, Harriet, fourth daughter of George Ward, Esq. of Northwood Park, Isle of Wight.