Current Briny en Garde Turn Report

The storm that rocked the returning fleet while fading was still bleak, almost as bleak as the cloud of despair that hung over the blockade squadron. The proud figure that struggled against the driving wind, the vicious rain and the high waves that crashed over the deck of HMS Droits de L'Homme was barely distinguishable underneath the heavy oilskins. His head was stooped against wind but he was still alert enough to notice the flagging spirits of one of his men.

“Keep your chin up, Mr Deacon. There's only half an hour till the end of the last dog and then it will be another man's watch. I think you've borne the worst of this storm, and by the looks of things it is blowing itself out. By the end of the first watch it will be a memory, you'll be soundly asleep and our return to Portsmouth will be achieved as you wake.”

“Aye Sir” replied the sailor, “then you will have a season or more to enjoy the spoils of war.”

“Indeed Mr Deacon and you can return to your wife and family with another season of service under your belt. Now keep two hands on that safety rope and your eyes on the horizon and we'll all be safe in Portsmouth before the night is out.”

Mr Deacon nodded his head and, having wiped the water from his eyes and tightened the rope around his waist, peered out towards the heavily rolling horizon,

“Yes Captain. The storm is abating, the rest of the fleet is still in tow and the Droits is holding your course despite the weather.”

The captain of his Majesty's Flagship headed below and, having removed his heavy coat and changed his clothes, returned to his cabin. The room was vast and opulent, a real testament to the might of the Navy. The officer had been a little taken aback when he first arrived aboard ship but a month ago, a few alterations and it soon felt like home. Closing the heavy oak door behind him the man crossed the room to the well-stocked drinks cabinet and poured himself a small glass of port before relaxing in the leather chair behind his mahogany desk. Before him were his dispatches to the Admiralty describing the recent naval engagement with the French. He took a sip of his drink and then picked up the letter for a final re-read before putting his name to it.

This letter is a true and accurate account of the recent confrontation with the Navy of France.

We came upon the French off the west coast in the Bay of Biscay near Quimper as ordered while the blockade squadron made a second attempt to free the prisoners from Douarnenez. The arrival of Captain Pavel Pipovitch and the HMS Sheik Yassouf had significantly strengthened both our firepower and endeavours, and this allowed Rear Admiral Frogmorton to supplement the rescue mission with an extra ship. This meant that the HMS Belle Poule , HMS Halcyon , HMS Enterprise, HMS Sauve Qui Peut, and the HMS Salisbury – all of them ships with excellent ability to manoeuvre in shallow waters – made the inshore trip. That left the HMS Indomitable , HMS Sheik Yassouf, HMS Waakzamheit , and the HMS Droits de L'Homme to hamper the French in the Bay of Biscay and lend support to the rescuers should the need arise.

As the senior officer in the rescue flotilla Sir Matthew Walker took overall command of the mission but the account that I give below is taken from discussions with all the survivors:

The inclement weather at this time of year made the approach to Douarnenez difficult but it also made the job of the waiting French equally arduous. Count Linois had remained in the region with his fleet ( “Laigle Noir” (50 guns), “La Vertue” (44 guns) and “Marianne” (34 guns“)) and had been both repaired and reinforced by a worried French Admiralty. This meant that the “Aigle” (44 Guns) and the “Dauphin” (34 Guns) were also on hand to repel our anticipated.

However, the first blow delivered to the English rescuers was the sudden illness of Sir Matthew Walker of the HMS Belle Poule . Sir Matthew claimed to be struck down with food poisoning (“those scallops I ate last night”) but there has been considerable doubt cast over these claims as each officer aboard had eaten at the Captain's table the previous night and no one else was struck down with the same sickness. I fear that this suggestion of impropriety in the face of the enemy may stay with the Captain until he is mentioned for an act of bravery. This left Lieutenant Barry in command of HMS Belle Poule and Captain Viscount Hardboard of HMS Halcyon in charge of the attempt on Prison at Rue Sémaphore.

Viscount Hardboard is an excellent captain and he was able to predict much of what Count Linois had laid in store for the rescuers and it wasn't until the landing had been successfully made and the Royal Marines were ashore that the coastline battle commenced.

HMS Enterprise was the first to disembark her contingent of Marines and was therefore at point when the French attacked. It was clear that Count Linois had a grudge to settle against this ship as a former part of the French Navy for it was hit simultaneously by the “Aigle” and the “Dauphin” from close range. The results, as expected were severe and the Enterprise was dismasted killing Captain Keene and Lieutenant Quilp instantly. One surviving sailor, Mr Birch , talked of the shock aboard the Enterprise at the death of two commanders in the space of two short months.

With HMS Enterprise out of the fight Viscount Hardboard risked life and limb to protect what remained of the crew. While his ‘cat and mouse' defence of the HMS Enterprise was inconclusive he noted the valiant deeds of several of his crew. Lieutenant Smith was particularly mentioned for his bravery and tenacity in the face of such danger, which inspired the men. Likewise Midshipman Trelane showed ‘all the characteristics of a leader of men' and was promoted to Lieutenant and given 400 guineas from the Captain's plunder for his hard work. Viscount Hardboard commended Master's Mate Sharp for almost single-handedly repelling a party of boarders at the height of the battle and also recommended him for promotion to Midshipman, which has been approved.

While the HMS Halcyon mounted its defence, the HMS Sauve Qui Peut , the HMS Salisbury and the HMS Belle Poule were left to deal with the other three ships of Count Linois' fleet. HMS Salisbury , despite a brave attempt was unable to neutralise the threat of the “Marianne” and its 34 guns. Yet with honours even, one man came to my attention. Two survivors, Midshipman Brown and Master's Mate Herkness , spoke of the skill and cunning of Lieutenant Fregate . When I mentioned this fact to the Rear Admiral he bestowed a promotion to Master and Commander and command of HMS Enterprise upon Lieutenant Fregate .

The battle between the HMS Sauve Qui Peut and the “La Vertue” was decisive and the actions of Captain Plunkett are undoubted those of the Bravest of men. He was mortally wounded in the heat of battle but he never left his post, and clung grimily and determinedly to life until he had discharged his duty. He died witnessing the retreat of his enemy, along with Sailor Southcott , a man who volunteered to serve with the blockade squadron only a few short weeks before.

While the “Vertue” fled, Count Linois and the “Laigle Noir” fought a bitter battle with the HMS Belle Poule.. With the absence of Captain Walker , command of the Belle fell to Lieutenant Barry who in turn was forced to relinguish command when the deck beneath his feet was blown asunder by a ball from one of the Laigle Noir's 50 cannons. For his actions, which see him fighting for his life and in need of a long stay in hospital, he has been promoted to Master and Commander (Yellow) and awarded a purse of 1900 guineas. Midshipman Kirk was promoted to Lieutenant for his bravery, while Master's Mate Carthew collected 900 guineas from the purse of a fallen French Lieutenant.

While this was happening the Royal Marines, under the command of Captain Bishop of the Belle Poule were mounting their assault on the prison. Due to the failure of last month's attempt the French had no idea of the English target and as such the prison was easily overcome. The prisoners, Professor André Damelf (University of Brussels), Professor Jacques Mitteron (University of Lyon) and Dr. Pier Vaste (a physician with an extensive practice in Marseille) were quickly freed from their captivity and returned to the HMS Belle Poule and then HMS Droits de L'Homme for passage to London. Only two lives were lost: Private Drake of the Salisbury was killed by the jailor while Captain Bishop died in a duel with the commander of the prisons guard, a former member of the elite Cardinal's Guard. Private Scarlet came to the aid of the Captain, alas too late, but he did vanquish the Frenchman, acquiring his purse of 1100 guineas and collected the body of the late Captain Bishop to return to his family.

Elsewhere in the Bay of Biscay the French, stung by their recent defeats, attempted to slip a handful of their sleeker fighting vessels past the four warships stationed off their west coast. The Indomitable and its masterful captain, Sir Roger Gallant – according to Captain Steel of the Royal Marines and Sailor Trelwaney – tied their opponent, the " tortue Verte ” in so many knots that in the end her Captain was forced to surrender his vessel or risk losing her to the ocean deep along with her entire crew.

HMS Sheik Yassouf followed a more direct approach and after a short chase and a broadside volley of English Cannon, Captain Pipovitch sent his contingent of Marines under the command of Major Baron Attenborough-Davies to board the “ Corbeau.” These actions resulted in the capture of a second French vessel and for the parts they played many of the crew were rewarded: Captain Pipovitch and Major Attenborough-Davies deed s are both worthy of mention and I recommend tthat he former ' s distinguished career make him suitable for knighthood. Both retrieved significant quantities of French loot, with the Major finding nearly double the purse of 700 guineas found by Sir Pavel Pipovitch with a more thorough search of the “Corbeau's” stores. Midshipmen Dizzodly and Blowhard helped with this search and both pocketed over a 1000 guineas each. Midshipman Blowhard was also promoted to Lieutenant and both his quick thinking and the bravery of Sailor Delaford are worthy of note. When a stray spark threatened to ignite a power keg, Sailor Delaford put his body on the line, literally, by diving full stretch across the spark following the Midshipman's potentially fatal order ‘Smother that spark'.

Both HMS Waakzamheit and HMS Droits de L'Homme lent valuable support to HMS Indomitable and HMS Sheik Yassouf and while their result were inconclusive it is my humble opinion that these vessels lent greatly to the success of our efforts in the Bay of Biscay. Rear Admiral Frogmorton has asked me to mention Captain Sir Huw Jorgens , Major Cunning (Royal Marines) both of the HMS Waakzamheit and in particular Colonel Albytross of the Royal Marines and the HMS Droits de L'Homme for the parts that they played in the victory. There was a little plunder gained, including Captain Sir Huw Jorgens who gained 1100 Guineas and Midshipman Oates who collected a purse of 700 Guineas .

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rear Admiral for his kind words about my efforts in his own Dispatches and for the collection he made on my behalf.

I hope that this account is a help to the Admiralty and if I can be of any further service in this matter then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Happy with his words the Post-Captain of the Droits de L'Homme picked up his pen and finished the letter.

Folding the letter and sealing it with wax and the Seal of Tresco, Baron Miller finished his drink and then called out.

“Please see that this letter reaches Baron Lucius Hawke as soon as is humanly possible.”

Mr J Jackson purchased the rank of midshipman, HMS Ferocious and appointed Captain's Secretary.

Mr K Trelane purchased the rank of midshipman, and was promoted to brevet Lieutenant, HMS Halcyon.

Ah! this is what I like, lots of parties and social gathering, let's see what we had for Week one…..

At the exclusive White's Club Admiral The Earl Goodman and his Dear Countess were amongst the first to join this exclusive club. He treated her to fine wine and food, then debated politics with her. My man tells me she allowed this as the place and meal was so wonderful!

Vice Admiral Sandwich was also seen there with HRH Princess Catherine. What Lady Elizabeth will think of it is anyone's guess!

O ver at the Almanack , Captain Brock had a do The Captain had Miss de Bries with him, and also attending were:

The Good captain laid on a fine fare and debated politics with Miss de Bries and won a political supporter for his pains.

In the Pit were Mr J Parker and W S Baker who spent the time getting drunk with each other.

Meanwhile Southside had a lot of visitors, these being Mr Archibald Macdonald , who bored the ladies with Tory politics; however he seems to have won a political supporter! Major Adams (RM), Midshipman Snodgrass , Mr Charles Maclean also visited . Luckily all made it home safely!

Over at Covent Garden Rear Admiral Kerr and Miss Merryweather invited Vice Admiral the Earl O'Groats and Countess Diana to their perfect loge to view the opera, “ The Seige of Belgrade ”.

Lt Warwick and Master and Commander Sir Samuel Marvell went house hunting and managed to bag a house each( Editor: is that like fox hunting?)

Sailor King headed to Sophia Williams door step and sweept the lady off her feet with his charm and gifts (Editor: I heard she likes a bit of rough myself) Meanwhile Captain the Viscount O'Mally impressed Miss Caroline Cadger with his social rank and she became his lady .

And that is that for Week 1! Quite a full kettle of fishes, so to speak for that week.

Week 2 had Admiral Goodman and Countess Rosemary back at Whites ; once again he bent her ear about politics.

ver at the Almanack Captain Brock was holding another do, this time a Political Gathering. Those at this political gathering were Rear Admiral Baron Marlowe and Lady Marlowe, Captain Viscount O'Malley and Miss Cadger. In fact none of said guests debated politics, they simply drank a great deal! (Editor: that's not politics that's a …. Booze up!)

Meanwhile at the Dolphin was Lieutenant Sum Yun's party for the wedding of Midshipman Templeton-Smythe and Miss Betty Gables got under way.

Lieutenant Sum was in fine form and ensured that only the best was laid on for the couple, with the gentle Octavia's touch seen everywhere. Various sorts of roast beast were about, and very good quality wine. The dessert was an elaborate spread of food with a beautiful presentation of small cakes and wine jellies. At the end Lieutenant Sum makes a fine speech and toasted the couple.

The Best Man, Mr Archibald Macdonald , then stood up and made a speech reproduced below for all to read:

“ I first met Hugo when we were at the Shrewsbury School together and during that time I learnt that Hugo is an excellent chap, who will, I am sure, bring no end of excitement into Betty's life. It is with a certain fondness that I look back on the numerous times that we inconvenienced certain masters at the school with chamberpots balanced on doors, and somehow the look on Hugo's face when the Bishop opened the door instead of the Latin Master will stay with me forever.

Although I have not seen Hugo for a couple of years I was flattered to be asked to be his best man and am sure that you will all join with me when I ask you all to charge your glasses and be upstanding for the bride and groom. My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give the toast - to Hugo and Betty!

At Red Coats Major Adams set about trying to drink the bar dry, alas he fell over only half way through the club's stock of drink!

Southside saw Midshipman Jackson, Mr Charles Maclean and Mr W S Baker all enjoying the ladies attentions and getting home safely!

Captain Champion and Miss Fullins attended the Opera, hiring a perfect loge for the night, the good captain looks a tad tired and injured, though. (Editor: see the sports section)

At the stable Mr Parker and Rear Admiral Kerr practised their own chosen weapons.

But the surprise of the week was Lieutenant Warwick proposing to Miss Watson-Holmes and her accepting!

So week two was a roaring success, one marriage and one proposal, who could ask for more…Oliver put your hand down it was a rhetorical question……..

So what had week three to offer?… Ah this looks good, the flyer header read: Rear Admiral Kerr's Pugilistic Gathering and below is the following;

“ Miss Muriel Merryweather and I take great pleasure in celebrating my enoblement to the rank of Earl by inviting you to a demonstration of the Noble Art of Pugilism at Buttons during the third week of this coming month.
An array of Britain's finest exponents of the bareknuckle art of self-defence will demonstrate their skills over several days for your entertainment and enlightenment, including the celebrated Mr. "Gentleman" Jim Jackson, Mr. Daniel Mendoza and Mr. William Richmond.
The week will culminate in a Prize Match with a purse of 300 Guineas provided by myself for the winner. Contests will be overseen by the esteemed Mr. Jack Broughton, former Champion of England, under whose London Prize Rules matches will be fought.Mr. Richmond the renowned Negro Boxer will be happy to demonstrate matters of style to any gentleman willing,(such bouts employing mufflers).
Drinks and food will be provided for your pleasure and that of accompanying ladies. I hope that gentlemen of a sporting nature will wager freely on the outcomes.”

There was a fair amount of betting, and I saw Old Grouchy lose 100g while Captain Champion lost 200g. However the good Captain donned the mufflers to have a bout with William Richmond, good job it was only a spring session and only one round, Mr Richmond gave him a good walloping! Admiral Kerr looked fit and healthy despite the loss of his arm in the recent action aboard his ship. He also did very well with the gambling, winning 200g.

Vice Admiral Kerr also invited a number of the voters of Islington to his entertainment, plying them with food and drink and publicly announcing his intention to stand for election as the MP for the borough. He made a stirring speech claiming that the Whigs and Radicals were in an unholy alliance against the Crown and Tradition.

All in all a good nights entertainment, wish there was more of these seemed to be the general opinion as they went home.

Southside only had 2 visitors this week, Mr Charles Maclean , who was robbed of 26 guineas on his way home and Mr W S Baker who made it safely home!

The following were doing ship's duty: Midshipman Templeton-Smythe, Midshipman Jackson, Sailor King, and, Midshipman Snodgrass.

Practicing their weapons were: Major Adams (RM) practicing cutlass, Mr Parker practicing cutlass, Rear Admiral Marlowe practicing sabre and Mr Baker practicing sabre. However Captain Brock practiced cutlass in the Tiger's Nest just to be different and à la mode!

Admiral Earl Goodman and Countess Rosemary hosted a party at Whites just to show the others what they are missing! Those attending were:

Earl O'Groats was fussing around Countess O'Groats, as she is very close to her delivery date now. All seemed impressed by Whites and I know that a few are now keen to improve their social standing so they to can join this club.

Over at the Dolphin , Lt Warwick was holding a party, those attending were;

“ I have been truly one of the luckiest men alive to be born in our beloved country where I have had the opportunity to meet the lovely Miss Victoria Watson Holmes. Who has agreed to become my beloved wife. And since I received so great of bounty from my country. I seek to return it by running as a Tory candidate to become a member of Parliament. I have recently bought a lovely home in Camden, but will serve where ever the people wish me. Enough with my political ramblings. Enjoy this night belongs to you Victoria.”

However over at the Pitt was not so sweet as Mr Archibald Macdonald , who had been drinking steadily got involved in a political discussion with Midshipman Snodgrass over Tory politics, cards where exchanged! Midshipman Snodgrass had been happily discussing Whig politics with Midshipman Jackson before he got involved with Macdonald

The Opera proved popular this week with 2 couples attending they were: Midshipman and Mrs Templeton-S mythe who hired an excellent loge and Lieutenant Sum Yun and Miss Marvell in a good loge.

Southside saw one visitor this week, Mr Charles Mclean who went home safe and sound this time.

Captain Brock was in the Tigers Nest again practising. Sailor King did his ship's duty.

Lastly Master and Commander Sir Samuel Marvell successfully courted Miss Pamela Huntingdown-Jones, despite the facial scars he has collected. It must have been the modest but beautiful gift he gave her!

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It seems last month I made a grave error regarding fashion and Lieutent Sum's Sari gift to Miss Marvell. My other half pointed out this was wrong and the Lt was offering the lady in question an exceptionally fine piece of silk for a dress and any Lady Editor would have seen it for what it was a rather generous gift and compliment! In the interests if fair play (and keeping her indoors happy and off my back) I apologise to the Good Lieutenant and hope he accepts my apology in the manner it is offered.

Welcome to the 8th edition of the London Gazette sports supplement, in this section of The Gazette we will bring you the latest news of any and all contests and sporting events taking place within the City of London and environs.

As you all know, the taking of matters into one's own hands is something that is frowned upon in this country – and so well it should be, but that is not to say that two gentlemen of good standing cannot settle their differences in the manner of a sporting contest, and it is with that in mind that we at The Gazette have decided to publish reports of such events for the information of our readers.

Disclaimer – The report contained within these pages was viewed by our reporter as a sporting contest and The Gazette accepts no responsibility if it was actually a duel. We will not be held accountable for encouraging such illegal activities, and we strongly endorse the work of the Admiralty in discouraging such events

It was a cold and damp early morning when the Gentleman, (notice I say gentle man) and commoner arrived to settle their dispute over the courting of Miss Joan Fullins, from this October. These being Captain Champion (RM) and Sailor King.

So it started, Captain Champion looked the larger man and had armed himself with a cutlass, Sailor King had a sabre. The first bout took time as each marked the measure of the other, but when the second started it was faster and more furious, and it soon became apparent that Sailor King had the greater skill on his side and made the first hit! No sooner had he landed the first and drawn back then he launched himself again at the Captain, who despite his size was overmatched, and soon King landed another! Whereupon the Captain called a halt and ceded the match to King!

One surprising thing was the attendance of the Port Admiral, Sir Agamemnon Blunderville, who seemed confused about his duty in this case: he toasted the gallant gentlemen with copious amount of port wine, rather than keeping order and discipline in the Port of London !

Colonel Gallop's Pole:

Colonel Horace Gallop of the 17th Lancers and the Royal Society, through advanced actuarial mathematics, phrenology and astrology, has determined the likely outcome of the London Elections, if they were undertaken this month. His scientific methods are thought to be reliable:

Rear Admiral Earl Kerr has declared his intention to stand as a Tory candidate

Lieutenant The Honourable Richard Warwick has declared his intention to stand as a Tory candidate

I am writing to you to voice my concerns about life expectancy of the master and commanders of the Blockade Squadron. Since my arrival in London in November 1792 there have been fifteen different Master and Commanders who have served in defence of England including myself (details of all these men appear at the end of my letter). Of these, six have been promoted to a higher command and one was able to purchase the rank of Captain, as Naval tradition dictates, having served three months on the blockade squadron. Sadly of the rest I can only report that one still survives yet he to has came close to death and the very fact that he does still live is testament to the excellence that exists within our medical profession.

This means that in the year since I joined the Royal Navy, seven commanders have died whilst on active service on this vital line of defence. These men were all good and true and they were given such a position of command because someone recognised their bravery, skill, and quality and most importantly their potential as leaders of men. Yet England and its Navy have had to bury them all at sea at a huge cost in the terms of the loss of skilled and experienced manpower.

I am not naïve enough to believe that the Sea is a forgiving mistress or that battle is not a place of danger where only the strong, and in some cases the lucky, survive. My service to His Majesty's Navy began on the HMS Sheik Yassouf as a Master's Mate, and I have held the ranks of Midshipman, Lieutenant, Master and Commander, and Captain before I reached by present position as Post-Captain aboard HMS Droits de L'Homme. This has taught me a great deal about the Navy, the Sea and battle yet the veritable haemorrhaging of so many lives -the lives of able and experienced men - is of great concern to me. I have commanded two of the more recent of their number (Captain Marvell – one of the finest and most able sailors I have had the privilege to know and serve with; and Captain Vandervent – a man of honour who was held in the highest esteem by the crews of the HMS Fiddler's Green and HMS Enterprise) and know that their respective loss has robbed the Navy of two great men – even if it has, in Captain Marvell's case, been for a few months.

The English Navy is the envy of the world and we are fortunate that we have a population of stout men who can replace those that have been lost in battle. I know, having served in its ranks, that no other navy in the world could withstand such a loss of life but perhaps, with change, the might of the Royal Navy could be even mightier.

I propose that a senior officer be appointed as Commodore – with the sole mission of enhancing the effectiveness of the Blockade Squadron. How? My initial thought is to enhance the effectiveness of the three ships that presently serve in this capacity: Firstly by reinforcing them with two more ships (The Eagle and the Dolphin recently captured from the French would be prime candidates for such a role); and secondly by strengthen and upgrading the ships themselves. This would mean that, like the White, Red, and Blue squadrons, the blockade squadron would consist of five battle ready ships. An admiral could also be placed in command of the Blockade squadron to ensure that they are fighting as a squadron rather than as separate ships.

However, I believe that more than this may be required. I believe that our men need to be trained how to fight in close quarters on quick and agile ships and to do this we need the experience that exists in the upper echelons of the Navy to be utilised to train those who seek positions of command within the Navy. An academy of sorts might be an appropriate addition to the Navy's resources and might ensure that fewer good men die in their first command and thus, I hope, strengthen what is already the greatest naval force in the world.

I thank you for taking the time to read this letter and hope to have the opportunity to talk to you further about the matters that I have raised.

Captain Huw Jorgens applies for the appointment of Crown Prince's Aide

Major Brian Adams (RM) applies to become Aide to Rear Admiral Marlowe

The Captain of HMS Droits de l'Homme, Baron Andrew Miller seeks new able men to join the finest ship in his Majesty's navy. Please write in person to Baron Miller if you wish to gain such a position

Court martial

None!

Duels

Midshipman James T Kirk and Lieutenant Jervis Fregate, for both courting Gwendolyn Hotspur in September (outstanding cause as they are still at sea)

Mr Archibald Iain Macdonald and Midshipman Snodgrass, for heated political debate in the Pit in Week 4

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