Naval Chronicle - 06 - September, 1721

Foreword
August saw a decrease of British Naval activity in the Caribbean. A lot of British Captains spent time ashore resting and recovering from the multitude of engagements and battles of the preceeding month. If our fleets were sleeping, then politically our Nation was truly alive! Discussion and debate has brought the British Parliament to new heights of organization and efficiency. Co-ordinated attacks on enemy ports have been performed for the first time by member Societies, and these attacks have clearly showed what can be achieved with a united Nation and battle fleet.

This month Britain will be looking to retake control of the Caribbean. Our enemies have made strategic advances and a treaty has been signed in Europe granting them considerable financial benefit. As we rally our ships and Captains, we must remember to continue co-ordinating our efforts if we are to win this war.

The beginning of this month has seen the first few engagements of our new Battle Group Ares, headed up by Viscount Middlemore. Amongst some of its early achievements, Battle Group Ares defeated a heavier French squadron off Irish Point; with only Tigre Mastercraft class frigates our brave Captains succeeded in taking or sinking 3 Mercy, a Heavy Hercules and an Achilles class frigates. This truly presents future operations of the Battle Group in favourable light!

September also sees a wealth of awards presented to many of our deserving Captains. Details are listed, as per usual, in the Admiralty News section below. Finally, on a personal note, the Editor has been deeply honoured this month with a promotion to Viscount and Senior Officer. The Editor is most grateful for the well-placed trust and will endeavour to continue providing the service to the Squadron for which he has been promoted.

So, sail forth brave Captains, and sink, take or burn the ships of our enemies!

Enjoy!



Awards
The Senior Officers have discussed and voted in accordance with the rules of the Squadron for those medals that are to be distributed this month. They hereby announce this month's awards:

Captain Sir J. R. Lapenotiere

Dear Sirs,

I would like to recommend captain Lapenotiere for a Military Cross for his actions at the battle of Nassau. This is the first time I have see Captain Lapenotiere in a port battle and he show great courage and situational awareness. Several times he placed his ship in danger in order to protect a friendly vessel. Further more he did so on his own initiative, not waiting for orders but correctly judging the flow of the battle and placing his ship in the correct location.

Nominated by: Captain the Lord Fletcher

Captain the Lord Joseph Fletcher

For his raising of and comanding the first taskforce fleet at Caracas,PC, TB. This was our first coordinated effort with multi fleets at multi locations for the SGS in a long time.

Nominated by: Captain Earl Dai

Captain Sir Richard Moradir

Sir Moradir was ready to step up and go in to aid 2 british officers who were engaged by 5 from the spanish squadron of "This is Spain".

His selfless action, to aid other captains in need of aid, should not go unnoticed by, he were only stopped as I ordered him not to, because I needed his service in blockading.

He followed my orders, even tho he would really have loved to go in, without fear of ship and life, to save those fellow captain.

Nominated by: Captain the Baron James Raleigh

Captain Earl Dai

Dear Sirs,

I would like to nominate Captain The Count Alec Dai for a Distinguished Service Cross.

His tireless effords and his excellent leadership in the recent PvP fights and especially in the port battles at Puerto del Principe and West End at the 10. July were impressive and of high value for the british war effords.

Best regards, Captain Leo Davis M.G., Baron of Crowcombe

Captain Sir Nathan Blatchford

Captain Blatchford, Esq. has consistently and determinedly honed his skills as a frigate captain specialising in independent cruising, and I believe this month has borne the fruit of his labours in terms of months of training and hard experience.

On July 9th/10th 1721 Captain Blatchford did single-handedly, captaining the HMS Legionaire, sink or carry three enemy fifth-rate frigates sailing French or Spanish colours and captained by commanders of notable skill and repute. In each successive action, Captain Blatchford and the Legionaires under his command established complete dominance over the enemy and received negligible damage in return. This hat-track of victories seals Captain Blatchford's place as one of Saint George Squadron's foremost frigate captains, a true sea-hawk whose success serves to strike fear in the hearts of our enemies and further the good name of the Squadron.

Since these actions Captain Blatchford's success has continued with a string of victories recorded in the Naval Chronicle. The nature of a frigate captain's work as an independent cruiser means that because often no other SGS officer is present to note their actions, they rarely receive due credit for bravery in terms of award recommendations.

However there should be no doubt that to hunt the seas alone, in a single frigate, and to achieve such victories, requires a tremendous amount of bravery, fearlessness, cunning, and skill. The degree of all of these displayed by Captain Blatchford warrants him the note and merit of the Distinguished Service Cross.

Nominated by: Captain Viscount Middlemore

Captain Viscount Middlemore

For delaying an attack by the french by boarding their ship and fighting the good fight. making time for the rest of the sqaudron to escape.

Captains: Dai, Middlemore,Morely,Moradir Ships: Sleek Herc x2, Trinidad, Intrepid.

First engagement: Rescuing Mr. Berret. He was being attacked by 3 pirates ( Pherc, CBx2 ) we were approx 1500 yds away and closed on the group, forming aline. Our first target was a CB. We found that the CB, was a Bucc and resist fit,. So most of our damage was mitigated. We tried to split the group of pirates but got an unfavorable wind.

Butchers Bill: we lost Moradir, not able to sink any pirates.

It took a bit of time to sort our line. We had good cover when the line was sorted. We had a very hard time getting all ships into a firing solution, at sometime moments only 2 ships could fire. It is important, to have ships thaty can sail a certain speed so it is easier to stay together. Also, ignore the Bucc/resist and hit the cutts first.

_______

Second engagement: Attacked by french. Monte Blanc, Mercyx2,Achillesx2 We had a horrible wind point and only option was to charge them, passing, firing and seeing what would happen. After the pass and firing on a Mercy we had to try to lag it out. The French went for Middlemore's sails and boarded him. Mr. Middlemore, fought the good fight helping buy time for the others to escape. Mr. Morely was engulfed also and taken. Moradir and I were able to escape.

Butchers Bill: Middlemore, Morely.

This engagement was won by the French on better wind position and far heavier ships. At the range that the engagement began we had no room to kite and was forced to take full broadsides at under 300 meters. This engagement was lost due to numbers not skill

Nominated by: Captain Earl Dai

Captain Viscount Collister

Dear Sirs,

I would like to nominate Captain Sir Will Collister for a Distinguished Service Cross.

His performance at the Port Battle in Puerto del Principe at the 10. July was excellent and the firepower of his Wenden third rate HMS Africa helped us a lot to win the battle. In addition I want to point out his excellent After Action Report for this port battle, which shows once again his eager dedication to our cause.

Best regards, Captain Leo Davis M.G., Baron of Crowcombe

Captain Chris McDella

I would like to nominate the honorable Captain Chris McDella for the St.George Squadron's Citation, Conspicuous Bravery for his splendid services to our fleet. He has supplied our captains with many a good ship, and he always does so quickly and effectively. It is always a pleasure to deal with this polite and friendly captain.

Sincerely, Captain Sir James Wilmore

Captain Crichton

To our esteemed Sea Lord and Admiralty, Sirs, it is my pleasure to nominate Captain Crichton for a citation for conspicuous bravery. In a patrol off Nassau he led a group of relatively new players against an overwhelming force of 12 French captains, and, making brilliant use of tactics, local geography, and focused fire, won the day, and helped his fellow officers learn some vital principles of warfare on the high seas.

The battle is detailed in the following report: Patrolling Nassau

Nominated by : Captain the Baron James Maddox

Captain Ashden

On August 25th, 1721, Captain Ashden did put her ship in great peril to protect Lord Middlemore's Trinity class Second Rate, HMS Vanguard. She recieved great fire and took damage as her Raa Mastercraft ship absorbed many hits. Though in vain as Captain Middlemore's ship was sunk, she did then sail her ship away and help to finish off the treacherous French who had sunk the Vanguard. This disregard for personaly safety and willingness to put her ship in danger should be noted and awarded.

Captain Sir Roderick Morrow

(OOC: Middlemore disconnected while trying to repair after a group consisting of him, myself, Captain Ashden, and Captain Zee tackled a French 12. He was taking great damage in the stern so I ordered Ashden to cover it which he did willingly with no argument. Unfotunately I relaized too late that Middlmore was disconnected and so failed to do more for him, however, Ashden was not to blame and if my opinion should be awarded for such teamplay.)

Captain Sir James Wilmore

James Wilmore is one of the Squadron's best examples of a selfless Captain of the highest merit. His continued work in assisting members with custom flags and avatars without even being formally approached by the Office of Commissions is a testament to that. Additionally, his continued work as Chief of Naval Personnel has been highly commendable.

Captain Viscount Mackenzie

Promotions
The Senior Officers convened in the end of last month to evaluate the actions and conduct of our Captains. They have voted on this month's promotions, in accordance with the rules governing the Squadron, and have seen fit to promote the following officers:

Captain Will Collister

Captain Roderick Morrow

Captain Theodore Zee

Recruits
The following Captains have joined our honourable Squadron. We bid them welcome and look forward to sailing alongside them into the fray of many a battle to further the interests of His Britannic Majesty's Royal Navy:

Cromwell Stern

Ryan Iredale

Edward Cutler

Ships Launched
The following ships have been launched and commissioned to Captains of the St. George Squadron:

Services and businesses
Here follows a list of the major shipyards, plantations, mining industries, etc., present in the Caribbean which offer their services to the Squadron.

Lao's Provisionings
Mr. Lao is the owner of Lao's Provisionings; a professional supplier of ship provisions for shipyards and individuals alike. Famous for his Mr. Lao's Chicken, he is well-known on the lower deck for providing both tasty and healthy food for British seamen.

Contact: Kai Chang Lao

Pepys Naval Contracting
Our contracting business has been in operation in Turtling bay for close to 2 years now and we are quite experienced at build ships of all classes and sizes. We have built a second rate, three third rates and numerous small ships. We are one of the few firms that stock Lineship Bundles and operate on a contractual build basis. Please inquire or Samuel Pepys or William Benbow if you need to hire use for a building contract!

Contacts: Samuel Pepys & William Benbow

Fletcher Ironworks
Captain Walter Fletcher is proud to present his most excellent Ironworks. Situated in Puerto Cabezas, Fletcher Ironworks is built as the Navy Board Business Page Model.

Available to satisfy all your Iron needs.

Contacts: Walter Fletcher

WSW Shipyards
Ladies and Gentlemen of the SGS I would like to offer the sevices of WSW's shipyards should you be needing any assistance in the production of ships and outfittings please direct ingame mail to Emlyn Thomas with your requirements. To all SGS members i offer the terms of agreememnt that are:

Our pledge to you is to build and place your new ship with you within 24 hours of your order being placed all ships will be priced at the rate of cost+tax+structure upkeep+15 dubloons/hour for labour+10%. We can also outfit these ships with the best permanent outfittings available upon request.

We pride ourselves to be able to complete all orders with this expediance and to date have completed orders for Lady Nellie, Captain the Baron Robert Middlemore, Captain Wilkes, Captain the Baron Leo Davis & Captain Roderick Morrow.

We have a vast stock of reserves available for ready use allowing us to complete these orders within the time frame above so feel free to drop me a line.

Contacts: Mark Jones & Emlyn Thomas

Wallenstein & Waldeck Sail Loft
Are ye annoyed of torn hemp ropes and canvases or sails with holes bigger than the ship itself eaten away by mots or other vermins? Trust 'em well known goods of Wallstein & Waldeck Sail Loft. We provide you with all kind of first quality products made of the finest cultivated hemp within the Caribbean.

Contacts: Titus Wallenstein & Arnold von Waldeck

Yucatan Arsenal
The Yucatan Arsenal is a purveyour of all fine "goods of war". From powders, to shot, to cannon mods, to all the expertly trained crew one needs. "You provide the ship, we will provide the tools".

First Rate Powders, AO Well Made, Mast Brace Well Made, Cannon First Rate, All Experts, All Ammo, All Craftable Offensive Mods, Iron, Bronze, Zinc, Anchors, Nails and the Lot

Contacts: Dirty Nellie

VonHauer Firearms Co.


For six generations the von Hauer family has lived by the creed "From Strength, Peace. From Irons, Revolt. From Fire, Conquest." Von Hauer ammunition and firearms have been relied upon throughout six generations of European conflict.

Powders, canons, ammunition, teak, and all manner of metalworks.

Contacts: James Maddox

Treaty signed in Europe
Having quickly taken control of major shipping lanes and hence the majority of trade routes and income in the Caribbean, France has now used its advantage to press him a treaty in Europe. Our National representatives, as well as those of our enemies France and Spain, have signed a treaty granting great economic benefits and tax relief, as well as some financial reward, France. This treaty is not expected to hold and soon there will once again be "no peace beyond the line".

The Dutch government has ranked the relative strengths of the Europeans nations, and the coalition of pirates in the Caribbean, from strongest to weakest accordingly:

France

Spain

Pirates

Great Britain

HMS Britannia officially launched
A Squadron of six lineships and two escorting frigates set sail from Port Royal on the evening of September 4th, 1721. This was to be the first official duty of the newly commissioned HMS Britannia, first rate ship of the line of the Invincible class.

After a short speech by Captain Sir James Wilmore, Captain of the fine new vessel, a course was set for the Gulf of Mexico. Captain Sir James Wilmore took on the position as Commodore to mark and celebrate the significance of another first-rate Ship of the Line taking place in the Squadron. The ships that took part in the cruise were as follows (some captains on and off):

Such was the collected skill and firepower of the above vessels and Captains, that more than eighty enemy ships were burned, taken or sunk. These ships included patrolling fleets, resupply fleets, manoeuvering fleets, treasure fleets, etc.

The cruise served as an example of what can be achieved when our fine Ships of the Line are assembled into a group and set forth on a cruise. The deafening roar of over 400 guns is almost witness enough to the power and potential of such fleets and cruises.

Sincerely,

Captain Viscount Collister

Naval Engagements
Here follows a summary of engagements, actions and battles in which our British ships have taken part during the month. For ship-to-ship duels and flotilla actions, the result column depicts the damage given to each ship. Critical damage in this column represents that the ship sank but lost a point of durability rather than being lost forever.

The red text depicting losses is also used in tables summarizing Port Battles. The black number under each column gives the amount of ships of that class present, and the red number in brackets gives losses from that group.

If any Captain finds any errors in the following account, feel free to edit the erroneous details. Also, the Editor cannot sufficiently stress the appreciation of each report to reach the Admiralty. So do, if at all possible, make a note or two to add to the Chronicle, and deliver it to Captain Viscount Collister via pm, mail or in person.

September 1st
Battle of Bridgetown:

Battle of Charlestown:

September 2nd
Battle of Riding Rocks:

Battle of Roseau:

September 4th
Engagement:

September 5th
Battle of Spanish Town:

September 6th
Engagement off Irish Point:

September 7th
Battle Group Ares' Engagement off Irish Point:

September 8th
Battle of Irish Point:

September 9th
Battle of St. Johns:

September 10th
Battle of Fort-de-France:

 Battle of Nassau :

 Battle of Turtling Bay :

 Battle of West End :

September 12th
 Battle of Puerto Cabezas :

September 13th
 Battle of Charlestown :

 Battle of Portobelo :

September 14th
Engagement off Port Royal:

September 16th
 Battle of Spanish Town :

 Battle of Fort-de-France :

 Battle of New Orleans :

September 18th
 Battle of St. John's :

September 19th
 Battle of Bluefields :

September 23rd
 Battle of Port-of-Spain :

September 25th
 Battle of Bluefields :

 Battle of Cartagena :

September 29th
 Battle of Fort-de-France :

Ships Launched in Europe
The following ships were launched in Europe this month: