Alfred Rawlings

Biography
Captains full name: Alfred Rawlings

Rank Held in the squadron: Master

Career: Captain in His Majesty's Navy (naval officer)

Age of joining the Navy: 12

Current Age: 18

Reason for joining the RN: Captain Rawlings was "persuaded" to join the navy by his stepmother.

Sum up your captain’s personality and traits: Known as the "Maverick" at best and selfish to those who don't know him.

Captains Quote: "I must admit it seems unfair for only us two to take on the six pirates, maybe you should stay behind and let me handle them?" - Captain Rawlings in HMS Speedy off Port Royal, when asked to tie up pirates so that other SGS members could get into port. (The record shows that all SGS ships reached Port Royal safely while the HMS Speedy reported light damage but no pirates sunk.

Your captains aims and goals: To sink as many French and pirates as possible as revenge for his poor mother.

Friends and Family
Leigh Pemberthy..."Good" Friend

Tarra Rawlings...Wife (secert Identify of Leigh Pemberthy to be in the navy)

Gray Rawlings...Eldest Son

Grant Rawlings...Youngest Son

Kristi Silliw...Friend

Record of Achievement
December 1719....Made Master in the Saint George Squadron of the White.

Longest serving officer in the SGS without an award. Entered December 1719. Numerous donations to the prior naval board, but no record survives of this. Helped Captain Tolbert (and the SGS) keep his captain afloat while in financial diffculty. Donated material to the current naval board (although no record is mentioned of it anywhere that can be found) Built and commands the first and only 1st Rate (HMS Alfred) in the SGS.

SHIPOGRAPHY

Beta Wars HMS Speedy HMS Flounder (Mediator Cutter) HMS Royal Oak (Wenden 3rd Rate)

Current Wars HMS Speedy Retired and broken up for scrap HMS Indomitable Paid off and broken up HMS Maximillian  Paid off and broken up

HMS Speedy (MC Mediator Cutter) HMS Rainbow(Defiant Frigate) HMS       (Alexander 4th Rate) HMS       (Valiant 3rd Rate) HMS Alfred (Prince 1st Rate)

Background Story
Alfred Rawlings was born in the town of Winchester to the local tavern wench, Ann Gray, and the local squire, Sir Frederick Rawlings on June 21 in the year of our lord 1702. Sir Rawlings' family persuaded Ann to move awy from Winchester and take the "bastard" with her to Liverpool.

Here in Liverpool, "Fred", as his mother called him, the young boy grew up in the tough alleyways and streets. Fred had heard about the sea from the local sailors and always ran to the docks when a new ship arrived.

When Fred was twelve, his mother was killed by a drunk visiting French Nobleman, when she refused his advances. The local authorities refused to prosecute the Frenchman due to his station; however, a week later, he was found dead with a pitchfork in his chest.

Fred's only hope lied in his father in Winchester. Upon arrival, his father denied the existance of young Fred as his son, but allowed him to stay on as the stable boy. Unfortunately as the year progressed everyone could see the family resemblance.

Sir Rawlings had remarried and had two legitamate children by his wife. She viewed the older son Fred as a potential threat and convinced Sir Rawlings to enter Fred into the Navy. She had hoped that he would be kept far away and that he might be killed in action.

So on the day Fred was recognized as Sir Rawlings son, he was whisked away to serve in his Majesties Navy as a Midshipman assigend to the storeship Nancy (2) stationed at the Isle of Wight but due to set sail for the Carribean. The roll call book listed on June 21, 1718...Alfred Rawlings, Midshipman.

On August 28, 1718 the Naval Chronicles shows the following: The Storeship Nancy, of 2 guns, off Cape St. Vincent repelled an attack from the Barbay Corsairs in the morning hours of August 9, 1718. Midhsipman A. Rawlings distinguished himself in personal combat in the boarding action of the Nancy. Court-Martial of Captain Nathaniel Thomas for deriliction of duty.

On January 1, 1719 the roll book of the Swiftsure shows: Alfred Rawlings Midshipman reported for duty. The Swiftsure was assigend to the Caribeen to protect British interests against the Spanish and French.

On February 27, 1719 the Naval Chronicle reports the following: The Swiftsure, off 70 guns, was attacked on February 14, 1719 off Havana Cuba by Buccaners. IN a boarding action, Midshipman A. Rawlings was wounded in the left arm and distinguished himself in personal combat.

November 10, 1719 the Swiftsure is paid off for refitting and Midshipman Rawlings is on half-pay shore leave.

December 1719 BETA WARS Midshipman Rawlings given rapid succession of commands including a Wenden 3rd Rate. Midshipman Rawlings performs well enough and is accepted into the St. George Squadron of the White.

Thanksgiving Day 1720 HMS Alfred is launched and given to Captain Rawlings to command.