They say, “All the girls love a sailor” but I have a very naughty one in ‘my lot’ !
I need some help though please.
He joined the RMLI in 1853 for a period of 12 years, some of which were here in Falmouth harbour, on a gunship which had been turned into a coastguard vessel.
I paid Nat. Archive’s fee for a download of his RMLI attestation records (sadly no service records though) but they make fantastic reading !
He had ‘BAD’ conduct which is so much more fun to read about than a guy with good conduct (in my opinion anyway !!)
He was often drunk, using disgusting language, theft, disobeying orders, constantly late back from shore leave and disappearing for several days at at time, one time he was bought back to the ship by Police.
Also, very often absent from the ship and even using insolent and profane language while attending Divine Service, and more !
He had pay and leave deducted, was confined to barracks and also spent time in prison somewhere doing ‘hard labour’.
In 1859 he was ‘deficient of battle medal’ so I wonder what that was for.
Once, while he was ‘missing’ he actually married a local girl who became pregnant. Presumably, when he was late back to the ship, he was with her.
When he’d finished his time here, in 1862, he went off on another ship and abandoned her and the baby. That baby is my line.
After completing his 12 years service he ended up back in his hometown in London, remarried (bygamy?) and had a new family.
This is what I need help with….
He was Court Martialled in 1863 and I have the book and page number of the event but sadly the Nat. Archives have not yet had it digitised for download.
I would have to visit in person for a copy of it but I live hundreds of miles away so it’s not an option.
I wondered if anyone was planning to go there soon and could obtain this for me please, all costs reimbursed of course !
Thankyou in advance, hopefully 🤞
