Royal Navy - Index to Miscellaneous Notes - 19th Century

Index
 
19th Century Royal Navy

Index to Miscellaneous Notes


Hopefully this will remain as "work in progress" as I come across the various items which might give us a better idea as to how the service has evolved over the years. Some of the notes in themselves may have been taken out of context and may not make much sense at present, but it is hoped with time, and additional notes, that we can qualify or enhance some so that they hopefully become more understandable.

  1. 1623, Slop clothing instituted.

  2. 1666, Gratuities for wounds granted to Captains

  3. 1670, Captain's Clerks instituted.

  4. 1673, Half pay first granted to a limited number of Captains.

  5. 1675, Half pay extended to a limited number of masters.

  6. 1683 Victualling Commissioners appointed and victualling by contract abolished.

  7. 1694, Greenwich Hospital established.

  8. 1702, Proclamation establishing prize money shares.

  9. 1748, Uniform for officers introduced.

  10. 1757, establishment of regular methods of payment of their wages enabling seamen to remit or allot monies to support of their wives.

  11. 1777, Bill to abolish Press defeated.

  12. 1782, Steele's Navy List first published.

  13. 1793, Rank of Commander introduced.

  14. 1795, New Act for raising seamen establishes a quota to come from each county.

  15. 1796, Pay and half pay of lieutenants raised.

  16. 1797, Mutinies at Spithead and Nore. Pay to be improved. Men to receive full rations instead of only seven-eighths and "Savings" to be officially recognised.

  17. 1799 It is not requisite, on retaking a vessel, to bring or send her into port.

  18. Circa Apr 1801 to improve the conditions of Pilots on board HM vessels.

  19. Circa June 1801 the Channel Fleet is now victualled, by sending out live bullocks, and plenty of vegetables, in every vessel that sails from Plymouth to join it, the seamen have regularly three dinners of fresh beef and vegetables in the week.

  20. 1 Jul 1801 orders issued that in future all Naval officers who come on shore on sick quarter tickets, are not to go into private lodgings, but are to repair to the officers' wards in the R.N. Hospital at Stonehouse.

  21. circa 23 Jul 1801 the Malta, Capt Bertie, and Texel, Capt Incledon, are now ordered to be stationed at St Helen's, for the purpose of examining all vessels coming into Portsmouth harbour, and preventing any designs that may be formed by the enemy. Similar orders have been issued to the other Port Admirals ; and all Captains and other officers are enjoined to sleep on board their respective ships.

  22. 10 Oct 1801 following the signing of the Peace of Amiens of circa 3 Oct the Admiralty have issued orders to each port to suspend all hostile operations against France, Spain and Holland. Orders for 20,000 hogs and 6 - 7,000 head of cattle have been cancelled by Mr Mealish, Contractor for the Navy.

  23. 12 Oct 1801 the Admiralty has ordered a number of vessels to be paid off at Portsmouth following the signing of the Peace of Amiens. And as an innovative step forward to ensure that the men don't lose their hard earned money when they're paid off, they will be paid a small sum in advance, before leaving the vessel, so assist with their travel home, along with an order to their local Provincial Collector of Excise, Customs or Taxes to be paid upon the men "reaching their houses."

  24. 15 Oct 1801 it was announced in the Downs that the cutter with a signal for a convoy for the Westward, has struck the signal and that it appears that in future vessels will depart independently.

  25. 23 Oct 1801 orders came down to Plymouth for 8 of the hired armed vessels to strip for paying off when ordered.

  26. 1801 It is noted that Great Britain derives no small portion of its strength from the constant supplies of seamen that our Newfoundland Fishery affords them.......

  27. 1802, St. Vincent's visitation of the dockyards, with a view to making further attempts to reduce corruption.

  28. 2 Jan 1802 the Admiralty has ordered a reduction in the consumption of fresh beef on HM Ships on home service, substituting salt provisions etc.

  29. 11 Jan 1802 from the Evening Mail it is understood that it is the intention of the Lords of the Admiralty, amongst many other things, that the pursers of ships that are to be sold or broken up at the conclusion of the War, are to be provided for by giving them an adequate compensation to the Pay etc. of their former ships, until vacancies occur.

  30. 18 Jan 1802 the following notice was stuck up at the entrance of Sheerness Dockyard :
    Navy Office, 30 Dec 1801, Sir, In pursuance of the direction of the Right Hon. the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, signified in Mr Marsdon's letter of 28th instant, we desire you will not allow any seaman or marine landing at the Dockyard to pass the gates, or to enter the Yard from without. We are, Sir, Your humble servants, A.S. Hammond, H. Duncan, J. Henslow, Commissioner Coffin.

  31. 17 Feb 1802, as in Sep 1783, following the signing of the Definitive Treaty, it has been ordered that when ships are paid off at Plymouth, and other home ports, that the seamen who belong to Ireland, Scotland, Liverpool and other distant ports, are to be sent round to the respective homes in tenders, free of expense.

  32. 20 Mar 1802 the following Pro Forma Template for captains to draw up when the Their Lordships have ordered a ship to be paid off appeared in the Morning Post newspaper :
    Portsmouth Dock,

  33. 7 Apr 1802 orders came down to Plymouth to the Commanders of ships to make returns of Masters and all the petty Officers on board, including Mates and Midshipmen, who have served their time, and also a report of their qualifications, by which it is understood that some provision is to be made for this valuable class of Officers, who may truly be called the sinews of the British Navy, [to remain in the service, during what turned out to be a relatively short period of Peace].

  34. 13 Apr 1802 the plan about to be adopted to regulate the state of ships in ordinary, at Plymouth, Portsmouth, Chatham and Sheerness, if carried into execution, prove of great benefit to the Navy, in the event of another war, besides employing a number of meritorious officers, petty officers, and seamen, during peace, without incumbring the peace establishment......

  35. 17 Apr 1802 where seamen take advantage of the Admiralty's offer to provide RN transport by sea to the area where the man was recruited, men who take their passage in ships of war, appointed for that purpose, men are to be victualled and rated as supernumeraries on the ship's books, till they arrive at their destined ports e.g. vessels were provided at Plymouth to take seamen to the various ports in Ireland ; Wales and Liverpool ; and Scotland and the North of England, and the Autumn was provided at Sheerness to take men to ports in the North of England and Scotland.

  36. 26 Apr 1802 the Secretary of the Admiralty wrote to the Commanders-in-Chief at Portsmouth, Plymouth, Sheerness and Chatham : I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to signify their direction to you to acquaint the Captains and Commanders of HM ships and vessels which may be ordered to be paid off at [any of the above ports], that, in order to give employment to as many Master's mates and Midshipmen as possible................ Evan Nepean.

  37. 28 Apr 1802 all frigates 44 and 38, on the Peace establishment, are, by order of the Admiralty, to have four Lieutenants each ; all frigates of 36, three Lieutenants each ; and all below that rate two Lieutenants each ; with Masters Mates and Midshipmen in proportion.

  38. 5 May 1802 it is reported that half-pay for officers will be augmented as follows :
    A Senior Post Captain 12s. per diem.
    A Junior Post Captain 10s. do.
    Commander 8s. do.
    Lieutenant 5s. do.

  39. 5 May 1802 it has been announced that with effect from HM Birthday Royal Marine cloathing (sic) faced with white, is to be faced with blue.

  40. 8 May 1802 letters received Plymouth state that �2,000 had been raised by the Army and Navy, in Egypt, to take down, pack, and send to England the celebrated and ancient Cleopatra's Needle as a present to HM.

  41. 18 May 1802 it is reported that the Commissioners of the Navy at the Outports are all to be reduced, except Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth, following the signing of the Treaty of the Peace of Amiens, and those always to be filled up on vacancy from the list of Post Captains.

  42. 18 May 1802 yesterday the Admiralty was reported to be crowded with several hundred Navy Officer's widows, who attended to be sworn as to their being widows previous to their receiving their pensions the ensuing pay day ; and what has been so long talked of, is at length to take place, namely, an augmentation of their pittance of �20 per annum to �30.

  43. 20 Jun 1802 the newspapers of the day report that many visitors from England to France have discovered that they require a passport to land at Calais &c., only obtainable from M. Otto, in London. A few days down the road, circa the 25th, the British introduced a similar rule, and the French are now required carry passports when entering the country signed by Mr Merry in Paris, and British should now carry a passport signed by Lord Hawkesbury in addition to one from M. Otto, which I would suggest is almost akin to the visa now required for some countries these days.

  44. 27 Aug 1802 a new regulation is about to take place among the riggers' labourers, and the men in the ships in ordinary ; all landmen are to be discharged, and replaced with prime seamen lately paid off, by which useful arrangements at this port, there will be constantly ready for immediate service, nearly 2000 good seamen, enough to lay a foundation for manning ten sail of the line.

  45. 18 May 1803 following the breakdown in the Peace of Amiens and the recommencement of hostilities, to increase the number of volunteers joining the RN, it was announced in the London Gazette that the bounty would be increased to �5 for fit Able Seamen volunteers, aged between 20 and 50, signing on between the 18 May - 30 Jun 1803, following the declaration of war ; similarly a bounty of �2 10s. 0d. was payable to Ordinary Seamen aged 20-35 ; and Landsmen due �1. 10s. 0d.

  46. 2 Jul 1803 those very salutary regulations for the health of the seamen and mariners of the fleet are again about to take place, which, in the late war, in the long cruise of 18 weeks off Brest, conduced so much to keep off the dreadful pest to our brave tars, the sea scurvy, viz. a regular and plentiful supply of vegetables of all descriptions that will keep, including turnips, cabbage�, onions, carrots, leeks, &c. by which means each ship's company can have three fresh meals per week. Hampshire Telegraph.

  47. 13 Sep 1803 the Prince of Wales when visiting Portsmouth Dockyard, having visited the fleet moored out at Spithead, was taken around the working parts of the Yard and in the rope house watched a cable for a first rate being laid down ; at the smithy men were working on an anchor ; observed the Royal William being undocked and the Pandour replacing her at low water ; but the bit that seems to have caught HM's interest was the steam engine which powered various machines used for making blocks and pulleys, or blocks and tackles, for HM ships, something which it was only possible to produce a limited number, now permitted many of these items to be produced, probably one of the first tools invented for mass production, although I've not seen any figures regarding who was put out of work, if any, since it was wartime and skills with wood would have been at a premium.

  48. Arming the small vessels on the Hampshire coast
    Circa 31 Oct 1803, Portsmouth, Mr Rose has proposed to Government a plan for arming the small vessels on the Hampshire coast with a single gun each, for the defence of the coast, which has obtained the sanction of the Admiralty, and is now carrying into effect.

    Circa 5 Nov 1803, Southampton, some officers of the Sheerness Dockyard have arrived here, and commenced fitting the fishing smacks, and other vessels and boats, to receive a gun each, and some two.

    Circa 12 Nov 1803 the Brighton fishing boats are also equipping to encounter the French Leviathan with 12lb carronades, should the monster escape the nets of our ships of war.

    Circa 12 Nov 1803 Orders have been received at Portsmouth Dockyard to fit every boat here capable of receiving a carronade.

  49. Circa 28 Nov 1803 it is reported in the Hampshire Telegraph that as a consequence of the many deaths of Surgeons and Pursers, particularly in the West Indies, the Navy Board intends to have cabins built for these officers between decks, instead of sleeping, as now, in the cockpit.
  50. Circa 26 Nov 1803 it has been announced that a number of Russian Officers are expected in England, to be distributed on board our ships, and to be initiated into the practice of British Naval Tactics.
  51. Circa 26 Nov 1803 a ship with two lights, hung each on a separate mast, is sitting at the west end of the Galloper Shoal, for the benefit of HM cruisers....the usual notices having been published.
  52. Circa 17 Dec 1803 it is reported at Portsmouth that owing to the very dry summer of 1803, butter and cheese has become scarce and cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities to supply the Navy, and that as a consequence Cocoa, Tea and Sugar, are for the present, to be substituted for butter and cheese.
  53. 7 Jan 1804 following a recent incident when a Revenue Vessel was unexpectedly involved in naval manoeuvres and was unable to respond to the flag ship, not being in possession of the Navy's signals, and concerns were expressed regarding the vessel, before she was approached and identified, a steps have now been taken to ensure that Revenue Vessels are au fait with naval signals in the future.
  54. 14 Jan 1804 the Ant departed Spithead with convicts from the hulks in Langstone harbour, who are to serve on board men of war.
  55. Circa 23 Apr 1804 increase in allowance made to them of one ninth, as an indemnification for waste and leakage of provisions, be increased to one eighth ; and increase in salary now made to them, for the providing of necessaries.
  56. Circa 12 May 1804 Surgeons of the Navy, who shall have served 5 years, shall be allowed the pay and emoluments of a third rate, in whatever ship they may serve ; all who have served three years, the pay and emoluments of a fourth rate.
  57. Circa 12 May 1804 in light of the possibility of invasion by France : The following order is issued to the ships at Spithead : To have slip buoys to the cables ; keep the top-gallants-yards across ; clear for action every evening at sunset ; the signal for unmooring to be considered as the signal for action ; and to keep in momentary readiness for putting to sea, as that instant it may be expected to be engaged with the enemy.
  58. The Hampshire Telegraph of 28 May 1804 reports that a Private in the Army Reserve, proved to be female, though she had served unsuspected in the ranks for upwards of 4 months [I appreciate that this is off-topic, but one reads about these things in the history books, but to actually see it mentioned in a newspaper of the day.......simply couldn't resist it.]
  59. 14 Jul 1804 all masters in the Navy, at present unemployed, must immediately send information to the Navy Office of their place of abode, and whether they are capable of Service or not.
  60. Circa 18 Aug 1804 Royal Marines are to be trained to use the mortars used by the Royal Naval bombs, in order that they can replace the Royal Artillery.
  61. Circa 25 Aug 1804 the Board of Admiralty is to direct that Physicians at the Royal Hospitals are to be granted an additional �100 to their annual salaries.
  62. Circa 15 Dec 1804 the Hampshire Telegraph reports that they understand that a new class of officer, to be Sub Lieutenants, are to be appointed in the Navy, to be selected from Midshipmen who have served their time. They are to receive half-pay.
  63. Circa 15 Dec 1804 it is understood that an augmentation of the pay of Surgeons of the Navy will take place next month.
  64. Circa 19 Dec 1804 whilst lying in Guernsey Roads the weather was so bad the Niobe had to cut away her main and fore-masts and mizen top, and the Thisbe and Sylph were totally dismasted by the weather and in danger of driving on the rocks ; the Pigmy cutter parted her cables and drove on shore at the back of the South Pier, but has since got off. The Niobe has since arrived at Plymouth. The Severn, despite every effort, ran on shore in Granville Bay, Jersey and was lost. The Alcmene was similarly threatened but managed to ride out the gale. 18 Dec 1804 the Starling went ashore in thick weather, near Calais, and was burnt by Lieut Guyon and crew to avoid capture. Circa 22 Dec 1804 the Blonde was reported to have gone ashore in a gale Thursday last, in Torbay, and it was later thought that she could be got off. The original writer was pleased to state that no lives were lost in any of these disasters, and that the reported loss of the Texel on Margate Sands was untrue, she being safe at Leith.
  65. Circa 29 Dec 1804 the armed defence ships which have been guarding the coast for several months are now ordered to be fitted for the reception of troops at Portsmouth and Sheerness, several of them having already arrived at Portsmouth.
  66. 1805, Surgeons granted commissioned rank.

  67. 1806, Pay of officers and men increased.

  68. 1808, Masters granted commissioned rank.

  69. 1814, Navy List first published.

  70. 1814, Pursers granted half pay and to rank with lieutenants.

  71. 1816, Alterations in pay.

  72. 1817, a new regulation has taken place in the pay of the crews of Revenue Cruisers.

  73. 1817, Additional pension scheme introduced for Widows and orphans of Medical Officers.

  74. 2 Mar 1822 the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have directed that the forces employed for the prevention of smuggling on the Coast, (with the exception of the Coast Blockade on the coasts of Sussex and Kent), consisting of Revenue Cruisers, Preventive Waterguard, and Riding Officers, to be consolidated and placed under the orders of the Board of Customs.

  75. 20 Mar 1822 Contract for Black Silk Handkerchiefs.

  76. Dec 1822 Falmouth Packets transferred to the Board of the Admiralty.

  77. 1824, Grog allowance reduced and men granted 2s. per month "packet money" in lieu. Rations much altered.

  78. Sep 1824 Officers Uniform changes - not.

  79. 1825, monthly advance of pay introduced for men - no further details known.

  80. The Hampshire Chronicle of 26 June 1826 reports that, by order in council, the fee due to be paid by officers of the RN requesting to take leave of absence abroad is discontinued in the futute.

  81. 5 Oct 1826 sets of Sir Wm. Congreve's life saving apparatus for saving crews without assistance from ashore delivered to Portsmouth for trials of the equipment to be carried out.

  82. 7 Jul 1828 It is reported in the Hampshire Chronicle that all future students at the R.N. College are to pay for their education, according to rank of relatives etc.

  83. Feb 1829 Reductions in the Navy and Victualling Boards.

  84. Oct 1829 trials of new Paddles Wheels are being carried out on board the Confiance.

  85. Oct 1829 the Briton has been fitted with a Voice Pipe, that runs from the quarter-deck to the maintop.

  86. 24 July 1830. The King of France has presented gold medals.......

  87. 1830, Award of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and Gratuity introduced for ratings.

  88. 1830, Widows of the warrant officers : namely Gunners, Carpenters and Boatswains, lose their entitlement to Widows Pensions.

  89. 1830, the First Gunnery Training ship, HMS EXCELLENT, fitted out at Portsmouth.

  90. Nov 1830, Warrant Punishment : Admiralty modified and restricted the award of corporal punishment,

  91. 27 Nov 1830. Annulment regulation of l0 Jul 1830, which prohibits the wearing of gold lace on the trowsers.

  92. 2 Dec 1830. None but commissioned officers of RN to attend HM's Levees.

  93. The regulation as to widows marrying again, applies to those who may marry subsequent to 31 December 1830, not 30th June 1830.

  94. 1831 Beer ration abolished.

  95. Feb 1831 Coast Blockade to be disbanded.

  96. 13 Apr 1831 The Lords of the Admiralty have taken under their patronage the appointment of all surgeons and assistant-surgeons to His Majesty's ships.

  97. 20 May 1831 The Admiralty has ordered that in future no pursers are to be attached to His Majesty's vessels commanded by Lieutenants, but the charge of victualling the men is to be under the direction of passed clerks.

  98. 20 May 1831 the present appointments of Lieutenants in the Navy to the Coast Guard Service....

  99. 25 May 1831 orders have been issued, that ships directed to be paid off, and fit for re-commissioning, are not to be stripped, nor any thing removed, but to be kept in readiness to proceed to sea the day after being paid off, if required.

  100. June, 1831, Joseph Hume, suggested that the difficulty experienced in manning the fleet was that sailors would only sail with certain captains....

  101. Mar 1832 a partial change is shortly due to take place in the naval uniforms for surgeons, masters and pursers, wearing the same uniform as Lieutenants, with the exception of the distinguishing buttons, and of which there is only a single row on the breast.

  102. 1832, Graham's reforms. Navy Board, Victualling Board and Sick and Hurt Commissioners abolished.

  103. 7 May 1832 the restoration of Lord Dundonald to the Service was to be celebrated by certain officers at Portsmouth with a public dinner.

  104. 14 May 1832 by a recent order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, two midshipment, denominated Extra Midshipmen, are to be allowed to each of his Majesty's ships.

  105. 9 Jun 1832 arrangements have been made to place the dockyards at Portsmouth and Plymouth, as one of the measures arising out of the abolition of the Navy Board, under other control. The office of the Commissioner is to be annulled, as at all the other ports, but instead of substituting for it the appointment of a Superintendent, in the person of a Captain of one of the Royal Yachts, as has been in other cases observed, the duties are under the regulation of the respective Commanders-in-Chief. This will be put into force come January 1833.

  106. 19 Nov 1832 The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have directed that, in future, chocolate is to be issued instead of cocoa.

  107. 9 Jun 1833 it is intended that in all future appointments of Naval and Military officers to civil appointments, no pensions shall be granted on retirement, but that such officers, on giving up their employments, shall come on the half-pay list. But this is to cause no injury to present office holders.

  108. Circa Apr 1833 The punishment for smuggling that compelled offenders to serve 5 years in the Navy is abolished ; fine and imprisonment will in future be the only penalty.


  109. Circa Apr 1833 It is now finally determined that the present tower over the rigging loft, in the [Portsmouth] Dock-yard, is to be the future semaphore, instead of the erection at Lump's Fort, now used for that purpose. The only alteration which will be requisite consists of a new shaft, with wings to work, and which have been ordered to be constructed and fixed forthwith.-Ports. Her.

  110. Circa Apr 1833 All students discharged from the Naval College after July 1833, are, by order in council, to serve five years on board sea-going ships, before they can be examined for Lieutenants, without reference to the time allowed them for their studies at the College, wherein they are required to remain two years.-Hampshire Telegraph.

  111. Circa Apr 1833 The Admiralty, by a recent regulation, are determined to mate the Island of Ascension a valuable source of revenue to the mother country. The Governor there has been ordered to charge all applicants thirty shillings each for turtle, and remit home an account of the amount.-Hants. Tel.

  112. Jul 1833, All students discharged from the Naval College after July 1833, are, by Order in Council, to serve five years on board sea-going ships before they can be examined for Lieutenants, without reference to the time allowed them for their studies at the College, wherein they are required to remain two years. Plym Her.

  113. 1833 By a recent Admiralty order, issued at the suggestion of the Board of Customs, all Lieutenants, who have served three years as chief officers in the coast guard service, and who are unequal to the duties, by reason of age, ill health, want of energy, or other causes, are subject to be displaced. By accounts from Plymouth, we find that the first consequence of this order is, that fourteen Lieutenants have received orders that their services will not be required at the expiration of three months. Ports. Her.

  114. 1833 The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have directed that the extra Clerk allowed to be borne in lieu of a seaman in all rated ships, may be selected from among such as may have passed an examination for Purser, without limitation as to the time of passing, and not as heretofore only from those passed prior to 1829.

  115. 1833 Mates and Midshipmen are in future to be considered qualified to be entered as Admiralty Mates or Midshipmen, after having passed for seamanship abroad, or both examinations, if at home, one complete year, and not as heretofore, only those passed prior to 1830.

  116. 1833 The Lords of the Admiralty have ordered a certain proportion of blue cloth and blue Flushing, to be supplied to the Navy, in lieu of made up jackets and trousers; an order which cannot fail to give satisfaction throughout the fleet. Seamen, &c. will thereby be enabled to have those articles made up on board, fitted to each respectively, instead of wearing the unseemly clothing hitherto issued.-Devon Tel.

  117. 1833 By a recent Admiralty order, Pursers of ships in commission are to negotiate their bills for the payment of monthly allowance through merchants or bankers, instead of presenting them to the resident pay clerks at the different ports.

  118. Appeared in the Nautical Magazine for Sep. 1833
    The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have directed that the extra Clerk allowed to be borne in lieu of a seaman in all rated ships, may be selected from among such as may have passed an examination for Purser, without limitation as to the time of passing, and not as heretofore only from those passed prior to 1829.

  119. Appeared in the Nautical Magazine for Sep. 1833
    Mates and Midshipmen are in future to be considered qualified to be entered as Admiralty Mates or Midshipmen, after having passed for seamanship abroad, or both examinations, if at home, one complete year, and not as heretofore, only those passed prior to 1830.

  120. Dec 1833 Seamen - pay

  121. Dec 1833 Unemployed Seamen at Devonport.

  122. Oct 1834 the entry of young gentlemen limited to 1st.-Cl. Vols. who have already served in the Navy.

  123. Oct 1834 2nd rate ships and below to enter first class boy seamen in lieu of adults.

  124. Oct 1834 Master's Assistants to form a part of the ship's complement, and replace a Seaman.

  125. Apr 1835 Chaplains in the Royal Navy - Work as Schoolmasters.

  126. 1835 Parliamentary inquiry into Ship Building and design for the Royal Navy ?

  127. 1835 Vessels fitted out for slaving can now be detained, in addition to those actually carrying slaves.

  128. 1835, First Chief Engineer and Inspector of Machinery appointed.

  129. Oct 1835 - Coast Guard Officers - eligibility to vote for M.P.s.

  130. 1836, Seaman Schoolmasters established.

  131. Jan 1836 Promotion of Clerks to the rank of Purser

  132. May 1836 Master's Assistants - complements for various classes of ship.

  133. June 1836. Trials with India Rubber.

  134. Aug 1836 Recruiting etc 1834-1836

  135. 1837, Engineering Branch established by Order-in-Council.

  136. 1837, Engineers placed in warrant rank with uniform, pay, regulations and training arrangements.

  137. 1837, Introduction of Good Service Pension for senior officers.

  138. 1837, RN College, Portsmouth, closed.

  139. Feb 1837 The practice of sending "young gentlemen," midshipmen, to the masthead as a punishment is to be discontinued forthwith, per the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

  140. Mar 1838 to encourage the entry of merchant seamen and mates as master's assistants.

  141. Nov 1838 Recruiting of ship's company.

  142. April, 1839, captured slavers are to be broken up in future.

  143. Jun 1839. Victualling of supernumeraries : soldiers, invalids, and others, passengers on board HM Ships, when living in the �ship's sick mess"

  144. 1840, Leading stoker introduced. [However, it should be noted that he was the equivalent of a Petty Officer Stoker, had there been such a rate - eventually introduced circa 1907.]

  145. 26 Aug 1840 ; Midshipmen's Messes. Admiralty Circular No. 261, not happy with the "luxury and extravagance" in Midshipman's messes in Mediterranean Fleet

  146. 22 April 1841 : Annual sums to be paid by R.M. Cadets to the Accountant General of the Navy.

  147. 11 Sep 1841 : The Rhadamanthus and Dee steam frigates are now fitting with Captain G. Smith's Paddle Wheel Life Boats ; the usefulness of which becomes now every day more convincing. Captain Peacock, who commands a steam packet in the Pacific, writes that it was only by means of one of these boats he was able to communicate through a heavy surf, with the shore, at Ilo, and managed to land 11 passengers and 7 tons of goods.

  148. 11 Sep 1841 : Important to Midshipmen : The Lords of the Admiralty have issued orders for all Midshipmen to pass in gunnery on board the Excellent, previous to passing at the Royal Naval College. The day fixed is the second Monday in the month.- The First Monday being the passing day at the College, and the first Wednesday, the passing day for Seamanship.

  149. 18 Sep 1841, Portsmouth, orders for where smoking may take place on board ship.

  150. 23 Oct 1841, pensioners to be allowed to receive their pensions in addition to their pay.

  151. 23 Oct 1841, temperance soldiers embarked in HM Ships entitled to double ration of sugar, cocoa and tea..

  152. 23 Oct 1841, landsmen, and those accustomed to barges and other river craft, will be admitted into the Royal Navy, provided they are strong and healthy..

  153. 23 Oct 1841, the rule that two years' service of the Royal Marines on shore, is reckoned only as one for pensions has been rescinded.

  154. 23 Oct 1841, R.M. personnel allowed great coats, as per regiments of the line, &c.

  155. 11 Oct 1841. time served as a Lieutenant in a separate command to count as time served as First lieutenant of a rated ship.

  156. Dec 1841. Midshipman having completed the required time to entitle him to pass for a Lieutenancy serving on board a detached ship.

  157. Dec 1841. questions gunnery on board HM ships to form part of the examination of Midshipmen for the rank of Mate or Lieutenant.

  158. Late 1841. Flag Officers, and Captains of line-of-battle ships, appointed subsequent to 1 August, are to be allowed two fresh entries as Volunteers of the 1st Class.

  159. Feb 1842 Lightning Conductors.

  160. Feb 1842 Screw for the pinnace of the Geyser.

  161. Feb 1842 officers on half-pay are to familiarise themselves in gunnery &c.

  162. Feb 1842 10 gun brigs are to be commanded by a Commander in future.

  163. Mar 1842 Captain E.J. Johnson appointed to superintend the Magnetic Committee, for ascertaining the deviations of the compass caused by iron that occur in all ships.

  164. Mar 1842 as a result of complaints regarding the early degradation of the copper used on ships on the Africa Station 32oz copper is to be used.

  165. Mar 1842 9 Fire Engines have been ordered by the Admiralty for trials at Woolwich.

  166. Mar 1842 the Admiralty have stated that any Captain who desires them can ask to be fitted with Rodgers Anchors on application to the Admiralty.

  167. Mar 1842 Messrs Garratt and Gibbon appointed agent to the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company ; allotments to females of the seamen employed in their vessels.

  168. Apr 1842 the frigate Penelope has been selected to be fitted with a steam engine..

  169. Apr 1842 On a report forwarded to the Admiralty from the Committee of Master Shipwrights at Woolwich it is reported that Their Lordships have directed that a quantity of Mr. Jeffery's composition shall be provided and used instead of pitch for paying the seams of ships.

  170. Apr 1842 Top blocks on Mr J.P. Wallis's principle are to be tried on board the Crocodile and other ships.

  171. April 1842 a trial is order to take place of the merits of a block invented by Mr. Dickson, boatswain of the San Josef, as compared with a block by Mr Bothway, Gunner, either separated or connected from the shrouds and their sexter blocks.

  172. April 1842 Chaplains of men-of-war are in future to be allowed, in addition to their pay, three fourths of the allowance given to Naval Instructors, if they will execute the duties of instructing the young gentlemen.

  173. April 1842 an order has been issued from the Admiralty permitting seamen, on being paid off, to deposit their hammocks and clothes, if they think fit, in the store-houses in the Dockyard.

  174. Jun 1842, on being paid off petty officers can now be received on board the flag-ships as disposable petty officers.

  175. Jun 1842 the Admiralty has issued an order requiring a Captain from each of the 4 divisions to repair on board the EXCELLENT, to qualify themselves to give instruction in gunnery practice to their respective divisions.

  176. Jul 1842 the Lords of the Admiralty watched a trial of what appeared to be an extending ladder, to 60 ft., which could be used for fighting fires or rescuing people from same.

  177. 5 Sep 1842 per Hampshire Telegraph Dr Payerne, in company with General Pasley descended to the bottom in a diving bell at Spithead, with further experiments to be made next week.

  178. 26 Sep 1842 the Lords of the Admiralty have caused a silver medal to be struck as a reward for First Class Engineers serving in the Royal Navy who, by their good conduct and ability deserve some special mark of notice, and as an inducement to all members of that rank to strive to obtain this highly creditable token of Their Lordship's approbation.

  179. Oct 1842 it is announced that 10-12 men of war, from each of the home ports, are to be fitted as "Advanced Ships."

  180. Oct 1842, when the Ship's Company of the Racer was paid off it was observed that the previously gross custom by which the Superintendent's boat's crew pressed the men who had been paid to buy their slops had been discontinued.

  181. Oct 1842 Midshipmen warned that in future, on being paid off, their pay will be retained till they produce their logs complete to the moment of being paid off.

  182. Oct 1842 officers of the Royal Navy who have engage in the naval service of Mexico, in its war against the Texans, have been ordered to quit that service.

  183. Dec 1842 Survey of Ships Taken Up by Government : the Admiralty notified to Lloyds on 29th Nov 1842 their adoption of the following regulations under which transport convict ships, taken up for the conveyance of stores exceeding half their tonnage, are to be surveyed and examined in future by the Master Attendant at Deptford Victualling Yard and the Inspector of Transport Shipping:

  184. Dec 1842 New Primer for Musket : A new primer for a musket recently invented by Mr. Westley Richards, the well known gun-maker of Birmingham, has undergone a most effectual trial on board HMS Excellent.

  185. Feb 1843, maintenance of steam vessels at Portsmouth.

  186. Mar 1843 Mr. Brewer's patent block introduced.

  187. Feb 1843 paddle-box boats for paddle ships.

  188. Apr 1843, the Admiralty are considering the positioning of magazines in ships of the line.

  189. Apr 1843, Royal Yachts to be based at Portsmouth.

  190. May 1843, the impregnation of timber, sails and ropework, with a view to preserving and preventing dry-rot in timber, and mildew in sails and rope.

  191. June 1843 Paddle vessels. How messages are passed from the bridge to the helmsman.

  192. Jul 1843 Uniform changes.

  193. Nov 1843, trials of a substance to be painted on the bottom of vessels, to replace copper sheathing.

  194. Q.R. & A.I. of 1844 made no mention of any punishment other than corporal punishment.

  195. Jan 1844 Pursers in future to be known as Pursers and Paymasters, and 1st Class Volunteers, as Naval Cadets. Pay for Masters and Clerks amended.

  196. Jan 1844 The Officers to be divided into two Branches.- Military Brunch and a Civil Branch

  197. Jan 1844 How officeers are to be appointed: by Commission ; by Order ; by Warrant.

  198. Jan 1844 Revised rates of pay for Captains.

  199. Jan 1844 Petty Officers to be paid the same whether they are serving on board a 1st rate ship or a 6th rate.

  200. Jan 1844 Widows pensions and Compassionate Allowances, including Warrant Officers, that were stopped circa 1830.

  201. Feb 1844 The issue of tobacco to the ship's companies of vessels in British ports is suspended.

  202. Feb 1844 Seamen on board ships paying off at Portsmouth to be offered employment in the Dockyard on the understanding they will be liable to return to sea.

  203. Mar 1844, Officers doing duty as Secretaries - pay.

  204. Apr 1844, Prior to being appointed to positions in the Royal dockyards, Masters are to be promoted to the rank of commanders.

  205. Apr 1844, Reclassification of Steam Vessels and Frigates.

  206. Apr 1844, Steam Vessels. Sail to be used whenever practical in order to conserve the vessels stocks of coal.

  207. Apr 1844, money paid to messes in respect of savings on victualling reduced.

  208. April 1844. Communion Services for the Navy.

  209. May 1844. Wearing of morning coat and great coat by officers.

  210. Jun 1844. extra pay for certain seamen employed on work involving unusual wear and tear of clothes.

  211. Aug 1844. 100 riggers recruited to the Master Attendant's department, who were to be eligible for service afloat at Short notice.

  212. Aug 1844. Portsmouth Dockyard to be lit by gas.

  213. Sep 1844. General Service engagements on offer, but not popular with "Jack."

  214. Sep 1844. pay for men serving on board vessels not liable to sea service.

  215. Sep 1844. the displeasure of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to be visited upon those officers who send less than complementary letters to the newspapers.

  216. Nov 1844, officers' cabins on the gun-deck of line-of-battle-ships to be less substantial.

  217. Dec 1844. Admiralty circular : 'port' to be substituted on board Her Majesty's ships for the word 'larboard.'

  218. Jan 1845. Reports that HMS Albion suffered a number of shortcomings?

  219. Mar 1845 it is reported in Congress that only 1 in 12 of USN vessels are manned by Americans.

  220. Sep 1846, the price of soap for the Navy was reduced by 2d. per lb. from 8d. to 6d. per lb.

  221. 1847, Naval General Service medal authorized.

  222. The Naval Prisons Act of 1847, granted Commanding Officers the power of awarding a Summary Punishment by imprisonment.

  223. 1849, Good conduct badges introduced.

  224. 1850, New ration scale introduced. Rum ration halved to 1/8th pint, and the evening issue stopped and grog money introduced as compensation to teetotallers.

  225. 1852, Pursers and paymasters to receive full salaries: title changed to paymaster.

  226. 1852 Commission on Manning the Service started taking evidence.

  227. Mar 1852. The passing of Mates to the Rank of Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.

  228. Mar 1852. The telegraphs at the various coast-guard stations

  229. 1853 Introduction of the Continuous Service engagement for ratings along with improved rates of pay.

  230. 1853, the rates of Chief Petty Officer and Leading Seaman introduced.

  231. Circular 131 of 7th October, 1853 introduced Summary Punishments by establishing a more uniform system of punishment, and laying down a numbered set of punishments with a maximum duration.

  232. 1853, Introduction of Naval Uniform for ratings.

  233. Dec 1853. Shortage of First and Second Class Assistant Engineers.

  234. Mar 1855, no Foreigner in future is to be entered for continuous service on board any of H. M. ships.

  235. 1856, Victoria Cross instituted, but back dated to include many acts of bravery that took place during the Crimea War.

  236. 1856, Executive curl on gold lace introduced for executive officers.

  237. Aug 1856, the service of invalid pensioners who served in reserve fleets (in ordinary,) during the Crimes War, were discharged from service and long service pensioners, who were paid an additional 3d. per day during the War were to undergo a medical if they wished to continue their duties, but the 3d. a day was discontinued. Those wishing to leave the service could claim their discharge immediately.

  238. Nov 1856 - Preventing smuggling.

  239. Balances Irrecoverable from Clerk in charge of H.M.S. "Bonetta," and late Acting Paymaster of H.M.S. "Calliope."

  240. 1858, Assistant surgeons commissioned.

  241. 1858, Captains authorized to grant regular leave.

  242. 24 Aug 1858 The size of cells was regulated by Admiralty,

  243. 1859, Royal Naval Reserve established.

  244. 1859, Recruiting organization for ratings established.

  245. 1859 Second Commission on Manning the Service started taking evidence.

  246. 1859 Free Part Kit : Improved Victualling Scales : Free Mess Utensils : Free Bedding.

  247. Purser's name for the ship's books.

  248. Paid down.

  249. 1860, First Naval Discipline Act passed. First and second classes for conduct introduced. Last man hanged at yardarm.

  250. 1860, Monthly payment introduced for officers and ratings.

  251. 1861 Naval Discipline Act 1860 repealed.

  252. 1861 passing of the Naval Discipline Act 1861.

  253. 1861 Q.R. & A.I., included the first mention of a Defaulters' Book, Record of Conduct Book, and Classifications for Conduct : see www.pdavis.nl/QContents.htm

  254. 1862, Gratuities for widows of men killed on active service established.

  255. 1863, Coloured bands of cloth introduced to distinguish officers' branches.

  256. 1864, Abolition of Red, White and Blue Squadrons.

  257. 1864, Commissioned rank of chief gunner, boatswain and carpenter established.

  258. 1867, Navigating Lieutenants replace Masters.

  259. 1868, Engine Room Artificer's rating established as chief petty officer.

  260. 1868, Cap ribbons officially recognized.

  261. 1 Dec 1868, feed back from the fleet resulted in a revised edition of Summary Punishments being published.

  262. 1869, An Admiralty committee on victualling reported inconclusively.

  263. Jan 1870, Royal Marines Pay Days reduced from 3 times per week to weekly.

  264. 1871, Flogging suspended in peacetime.

  265. 1872, Cookery School opened at Portsmouth.

  266. 25 Jul 1872, Stokers 2nd cl and Ord. Seamen on probation, to be allowed, on confirmation, if they volunteer for continuous service, to antedate their engagements to the date of their original entry.

  267. 1873, Greenwich College founded

  268. 1873, colour eye tests for officers and ratings introduced.

  269. 1874, Flag officers no longer entitled to select replacement officers abroad when vacancies occur due to death.

  270. 30 Mar 1874, The Lords of the Admiralty have sanctioned an increase of pay to chief petty officers.

  271. 1876, Vernon (hulk) commissioned at Portsmouth for torpedo and electrical training and experimental work.

  272. 1877, Half stripe introduced for lieutenants, navigating lieutenants and civil branch equivalents of over eight years' seniority.

  273. 17 Jun 1882, the Hampshire Telegraph reports that Prison Accounts are to be dealt with by the Accountant-General, and the post of "Clerk of Official Visitors," a solicitor at Lewes, is to be disbanded, probably something connected with the nearby Lewes prison, much used by the RN for personnel convicted by Courts Martial.

  274. 16 Aug 1882, an allowance of GB Pounds 50, per annum, has been granted to the writer at the Hong Kong Naval Hospital, in lieu of proper quarters.

  275. 1886, Ranks of Fleet Paymaster and Staff Paymaster introduced.

  276. 15 Jan 1887, an Order in Council has been published awarding Coastguard personnel a gratuity of 10 shillings for recruiting a stoker or artificer who is eventually accepted for service in the Navy.

  277. 1 Nov 1890, the Hampshire Telegraph newspaper reminds the Admiralty that it was 6 months since the problem of Chief Petty Officers pensions was raised in Parliament by Admiral Field, to the effect that Chief Petty Officers pensions were only paid at the rate for a First Class Petty Officer.

  278. 1890, Rank of Signal Boatswain introduced.

  279. 1890, Naval barracks established at Devonport.

  280. 5 Mar 1894, an investigation commenced at Devonport Dockyard with a view measuring opinions with respect to paying allotments at the Post Office, in preference to them being collected from the Dockyard. After a week a straw pole suggested that the Post Office was the wive's preferred choice.

  281. 1900, Physical training becomes a specialist branch.

  282. 12 Jan 1900 the Majestic, Magnificent, Hannibal and Jupiter, to be fitted with Wireless Telegraphy.

  283. 1903. Week-End Leave.

  284. 1904, Ratings' messes granted free issue of knives, forks, basins and plates.

  285. 1906, Start of ration allowance i.e. the payment of a small sum of money to men on leave, a refund of the money that would have been spent by the Service to cover the cost of their food if they'd remained on board.

  286. 1907, improved Canteen and Victualling arrangements per Login Committee.

  287. 1907, Oilskins, watch coats, seaboots, stokehold boots issued on loan.

  288. 1907, Corporal punishment suspended completely.

  289. 1909, Detention introduced as a punishment.

  290. 1910 Charges Against Naval Stokers for stealing and receiving naval railway travelling warrants, etc.

  291. 1919 Extra Pay for Mine Clearance

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