Issue 41 - June 1794
“Well I spent all my tin on the lassies drinking gin, now across the Western Ocean I must wander”
Fleet Thumps frogs!
The Blockade squadron had a busy month. The Ferret intercepted a lightly laden merchantmen heading out of port, but unfortunately the merchantman was heavily armed. In the initial exchange of fire, it appeared the merchantman came off the worse, several of her gunports stove in and blood streaming from her scuppers.
As the Ferret steered closer to board, a cleverly aimed broadside of chain shot away several spars and as the wind rose, Ferret was unable to give chase. Nevertheless,the actions of Hugo Templeton-Smythe and Brendan Patrick MacRory were noted, and both men received promotions.
Close at hand however was the Enterprise who, leaving her station, clawed to windward and chased the errant Frenchman, while her Captain supervised the rigging of a bow chaser. Several shots later, and the merchantman's rudder was damaged, allowing the Enterprise to draw near. The fight was not completely outof the Frogs at this stage though, and the Enterprise took several hits, including one which claimed the life of Lt. Banter of the Royal Marines. His loss however,only spurred the men of his detachment on, and when they boarded the enemy, few of the enemy received any quarter.
In the Channel, the Red were kept busy. The majority were on Blockade duty directed by Admiral Andrew Goodman aboard the Ferocious . This vessel's story will no doubt be told the length and breadth of the country once its exploits become known. The squadron began the month strung out in an extended line, but during the foggy second week, the Ferocious became isolated. Capt. Huw Jorgens , endeavouring to get his commanding officer some clear sight, hove inshore. At the same time, a French Frigate was putting out to sea, hoping that the fog would coverhis escape.
The two met three miles off shore, with the wind dropping. The Ferocious was the first to react to the sudden looming in the fog, action stations having been beatenan hour or more before. The helmsman following Capt. Jorgen's direction, cut across the enemy's bows, and a full broadside ripped into her, raking her from bow tostern and wreaking such havoc that few of the Frenchies guncrews survived the maelstrom.
Riskily, the Captain then laid the Ferocious aside the smoking wreck, and her ships company boarded her. A hardcore of officers resisted on the quarterdeck, and that is where Lt. Anthony Dewhurst Delaford , the Aide to the Admiral, fell, pierced in the neck by the Frenchman's 1st officer. Lt. Col. Miles Attenborough-Davis earned himself eternal glory, by almost single-handedly ending all resistance on the prize. The brave actions of Sailor Joseph Parker were also rewarded.
The Fiddler's Green had no less of an adventure in the same fog, It would seem that the enemy knew of the fog before it had even arrived, for several ships left port much at the same time. The Fiddler's Green was able to take advantage of a break in the weather to chase down and close with a heavily laden merchantman. Deciding to try to capture his prize intact, Capt. Samuel Augustus Marvell and Vice Admiral John O'Groats agreed that the Fiddler's Green should bear down on her victim with as much sail as possible.
The Vice Admiral took care to avoid interference with the ship's captain, and dispensed advice: “No need to run, Lt. Smith the men may get the wrong idea, makehaste less speed” and “Remember Smith we are officers; we are paid to keep our wits about us while others may lose theirs.” Lt. Tiberius Smith took it to heart andfound his efforts rewarded with a mention and a share of the plunder.
Fortunately, it would seem that the enemy had foregone much offensive weaponry in favour of a heavier cargo, and the Fiddler's Green took little damage as she moved to grapple and board. However, as her boarders swung away, bloody carnage was wrought as swivel guns fired, plucking many sailors into the depths and sweeping the quarterdeck. Rear Admiral Frogmorton was hit multiple times, his chest torn to bloody rags and he was carried below, where the surgeon, Thomas Mather battled in vain to save his life. For his efforts, Mather was Mentioned in Dispatches. Another who was hit, Midshipman Ryan Farrell , struggled on, blood streaming from his face.
Joining him on the enemy deck was Sailor Paul Mountjoy and Royal Marine Captain Paul Scarlett . This daring trio led the attack and all three have been promoted for their courage. When the battle was over, and the survivors could survey the prize, they found rich pickings, the funds raised said to be over 6000 in total. Withan outstanding victory, O'Groats has been promoted to Admiral of the Blue.
Aboard the Bellerophone , also on Blockade duty, the actions above gave the crew something to ponder as the cruise continued, until late in the month she came upon a duo of Frigates attempting to break the blockade. Outmaneuvered, and having to handle both broadsides at once, she was unable to halt either vessel, but her combined accuracy and rate of fire inflicted severe damage on the enemy and the sound of her guns brought her consorts running and thus the enemy were prevented from breaking through. The overall results of the Belle Poule were inconclusive, however they did receive a share of the spoils due to the quick actions of Lieutenant Jack Teague.
he Blue Squadron, again on Blockading duty but this time operating as a single fleet, intercepted an enemy supply convoy late in the month. Five supply ships, and two escorting 3rd Raters were spotted early approaching from the South. Our fleet immediately formed Line of battle, with the Sheik Yassouf leading and the Alexander out on the wing. As the fleets neared, the supply ships broke off, and headed back out to sea, the two escorts attempting to cover their retreat. However, Capt. Pavel Pipovitch wasn't satisfied with that result and pressed on, leading his ships to cross behind the two enemy vessels and broadsiding them in turn, continued towards the richer pickings. One enemy ship was dismasted by the combined gunnery of the squadron, and the other so thoroughly dispirited that she immediately disengaged, leaving the convoy to the mercy of the Blue Squadron. Baron Collingwood saw his opportunity with the dismasted wreck, and closed for the kill, carrying her by boarding with the loss of Lt. Ussher , struck down with boarding pike at the height of the action. The three other ships continued to close with the enemy convoy asthe sun began to set.
Both the Sheik Yassouf and the Glenmoranie were fortunate to close and capture a vessel, while the poor Waakzamheit had just closed with one, when she jibbed and raked the warship. Lt. Drake , who had been closely supervising the steering, was badly hurt, while the wheel and the helmsman were obliterated. In the confusion, the remaining enemy were able to escape, but the blockade had held. Viscount Robin Timothy Marlowe was rewarded with a promotion from rear to vice admiral, and his aide, Major Brian Adams , was mentioned twice in dispatches. Harry Champion , Captain of the Royal Marines, received a share of the spoils for his good work.
Mentions and promotions galore for the victorious survivors, chief amongst them Post Capt. Pipovich who is promoted Rear Admiral of the White to replace Glasspole, Ben Dover who is promoted Post and assigned to the Ferocious and Patrick O'Brien , promoted to Masters Mate.
Both the Sauve Qui Peut and Halcyon were ordered on independent cruise in the Indian Ocean , and both report Success. Aboard the Sauve Qui Peut, heavy casualties have rendered the ship temporarily in the command of a Midshipman while she returns to port with her prize. On the Halcyon, Capt. Carter of the Royal Marines celebrates his first Mention, for his actions in the battle which saw an enemy vessel sunk.
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Promotions, Purchases and Appointments
Coming soon!
Mentioned in dispatches
Coming soon!
God bless them and all who sail in them
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Issue 41 Your Reporter, Miss Edith e’Deadline.
With all men aboard their ships for the season, barely a glance is given to the Social Pages. Nevertheless there is some news to report. Sir Samuel Agustus Marvell was seen in a small port, in a meeting with his love Pamela Huntingdown-Jones.
Her father accompanied her, apparently quite proud of his new fowling piece which he brought along. They conducted some business in a chapel, and rumour has it that Miss Huntingdown-Jones is now Mrs. Marvell.
A discussion was scheduled at dawn on the first; a meeting arranged between Baron Miles Attenborough- Davis and Viscount Tyler Brock . Whilst the Viscount had secured the assistance of Press Gang Officer Lt. Tiberius Smith , it was rather at the last minute that the Baron requested the aid of Earl Andrew Miller
The party met only to discover that others were invited, and the Viscount and Earl were shocked to find themselves placed under arrest for treason! Baron Attenborough- Davis (The Attorney General) expressed his displeasure with both gentlemen's failure to maintain the traditions of the Navy.
Both will be held (in separate cells) pending the next opportunity for a trial, which may be in September. Rumour has it that Brock might be released into service in the Blockade Squadron.
-=Fin.=-
Colonel Gallop's Political Editorial
First let me introduce myself I am Colonel Horace Gallop of the 17th Lancers and the Royal Society. I have been kept on to write the few political notes that make it to this fine editorial.
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Due to the majority of the MPs being at sea there was no political activity this month
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None
None!
Trial for Treason !
none
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