1771 - joined the Royal Navy serving aboard HMS Marlborough, his father's command. 1774 - appointed to HMS Medway. 1777 - made lieutenant in HMS Prince George. 1779 - promoted to command the sloop Swallow. 1792 - succeeded to the baronetcy on his father's death. 1793 - at the outbreak of the French War of the First Coalition, he was given orders to commission HMS Ruby for service in the English Channel. 1795 - formed part of the North Sea Fleet under Admiral Adam Duncan. 1799 - promoted to rank of rear-admiral. 1800 - sent to the Mediterranean on the Swiftsure, taking command of the blockade of Cadiz. 1803 - served at the blockade of Toulon as second in command to Admiral Lord Nelson. 1805 - attained the rank of vice-admiral. 1808 - elected MP for Poole. 1810 - attained the rank of admiral. 1812 - appointed commander-in-chief at Portsmouth. 1814 - active service ended after the grand review. 1815 - made KCB. 1818 - became lieutenant-general of marines. 1823 - took, by royal permission, his mother's maiden name of Hussey before that of Bickerton. 1832 - the baronetcy became extinct on his death.