Naval Chronicle - 08 - November, 1721

Foreword
Novembers's belated issue, along with October's, has finally been retrieved from a soaked chest temporarily lost in the waters off Turtling Bay.

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 Charles Irons

Dear Sirs,

I would like to nominate Captain Charles Irons for a Military Cross.

He participated together with me in the Port Battle at Fort-de-France on September the 29th 1721. As part of Red Group we were assigned to cover the first rates of Black group.

Even after our fleet started to loose the battle and suffered heavy casualites he continued to cover other ships while comming under heavy fire. Which resulted in the sinking of his Mercy Frigate.

Captain Irons demonstrated the very best of the Royal Navy traditions in spite of great sacrifice against all odds.

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

Captain Sir J. R. Lapenotiere

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 Joseph Fletcher

Captain Jessie Ashden

At the Battle of Belize on 29th August, Captain Ashden bravely committed his brand-new Valiant-class Third Rate to the combat, despite only having recently acquired both level 50 and the ship. This was his first experience of a Port Battle. One of only three Colossals, he not only followed every order given to the letter (I was his group leader), but when the enemy line was engaged, he selflessly put his ship into the line of fire to cover my own, the HMS Warrior, when it was focused upon by the Spanish fleet. Bad manouevring and division of forces by the rest of our fleet meant that our entire Colossal group was horribly exposed without cover, and Captain Ashden must have known that putting his Valiant next to my Wenden was suicide. Nevertheless, he did it instantly, and remained steadfast while the entire Spanish fleet switched their fire to him, remaining there long enough for the Warrior to reach the cover of the frigates to windward.

The manouevre cost him his ship, but was an exemplary display of discipline, mutual support, and courage in the face of danger - and all this from a captain who had never attended a PB before.

Nominated by: Captain Viscount Middlemore

Captain Sir Roderick Morrow

Dear Sirs,

It is with humble appreciation that I write this note to inform you of the heroic and selfless actions of Captain Sir Roderick Morrow on the evening of 10. September.

During the battle of Fort de France, numerous French skirmishing frigates did engage the rear of our correctly formed and ordered line of battle and proceed to do great harm upon our brave Captain's ships. During this engagement, the Valiant-class third rate HMS Augustus Caesar took a multitude of full broadsides from these frigates, including strong hit to the stern of her gun decks. Despite being near-crippled and taking on water, a fact that later saved the ship from a vicious powder room strike, Captain Sir Roderick Morrow placed his Trinity-class second rate, HMS Courageous, in direct line of the enemy fire. I have no doubt that in taking several mighty hits and so proficiently blocking the stern of the HMS Augustus Caesar, Captain Sir Roderick Morrow's actions did allow the Valiant to escape, saving the lives of almost six hundred brave crewmen and officers, along with the warship herself, which was able to disengage under orders and return to Port Royal for extensive refit and repair.

I would like to formally thank him for this act of bravery and skilled piloting under heavy enemy fire, and believe that such meritorous actions to save a lower rated ship are deserving of recognition.

I remain, humbly, Captain Miss Jessica Ashden.

Captain the Marquess Seaborn

For showing exceptional leading skills in Port St Joe port battle. Without Lord Seaborn stepping up, the battle would have been lost probably.

Nominated by: Captain Sir James Castor

Captain the Baron James Raleigh

To Senior Officers, St. Georges Squadron of the White.

Dear Sirs,

On October the 18th of this year, 1721, Baraon Raliegh did snow great heroism in a battle agaisnt a small squadron of pirates off of Belize. During the battle three ships belonging to the suadron were lost but the pirates lost four and Baraon Raleigh finished one off with a broadside but it was his actions before hand that I deem neccesary to award him a medal. My ship was heavily damaged during the fight and many of my crew put out of action so hence I could not turn my ship well at all. At this time Lord Fletcher, Captain McAvoy, and myself were heavily engaged with two pirates while Baron Raleigh and Captain Lafitte held off three on their own, Captain Ashden having been sunk a few minutes before. Unfortunately Captain Lafitte and his ship were sunk as the three pirates used their manueverabilty and speed to pummel him in the stern and Baraon Raleigh was now engaged with three all on his own. He sailed the HMS Redoubt with reckless abandon and gave precious minutes for Lord Fltcher to effect a block of my ship thus allowing me to repair much of the damage received and then Captains Fletcher, McAvoy, and myself finished off two pirates with the fnishing broadside being delivered by the Redoubt and Captain Raleigh who had sailed toward the three of us depiste the odds against him. He even turned away a block offered by me and continued to fight putting a few more broadsides into another pirate before two of them raked him in the bow and stern, sending the Redoubt under the water. Such bravery and skill should not go unrewarded.

Written by my hand, Captain Sir Roderick Morrow

Captain the Lord Joseph Fletcher

Dear Sirs,

On October 18th of this year 1721, Captain Lord Joseph Fletcher did lead a small squadron of captains in our squadron to a victory against some pirates just off of Belize. The victory was bloody as we lost three ships but the pirates squadron lost four and I believe this was due to the leaderships of Lord Fletcher as much as to anything else. He also took his ships, HMS Bude, into harm's way to protect the HMS Ares under my command. If he had not manuevered his ship to protect mine, I believe that my ship would now be at the bottom of the bay and that the battle would have been lost. Lord Fletcher is a tremendous asset tot he squadrona nd I am honoured to sail under his command.

Signed by my hand, Captain Sir Roderick Morrow

Captain the Baron Leo Davis

Although I realise that it is rare and discouraged by the regulations to nominate more than one captain for a single action, I feel the outstanding and special nature of Battlegroup Ares' first group PvP victory against the French UNCLE warrants such attention. Baron Davis was one of three captains remaining out of five, facing five damaged French ships. Baron Raleigh and Sir Roderick Morrow also deserve high praise for their work in inflicting this damage before sinking, and it was their efforts which Captain Davis, Captain Irons and myself were able to capitalise upon. However, it is for maintaing cool, collected calm and discipline in the face of difficult odds, and conducting himself in suitably heroic fashion, for which I believe Captain Davis earned the Distinguished Service Cross. Despite losing two of his allies, Captain Davis took the fight even harder to the enemy, and personally hounded at least three of the remaining French vessels that I saw, doggedly pursuing and raking their sterns until sunk. His skill and courage in concert with Captain Irons overwhelmed the five damaged French and ensured the Squadron's victory.

Nominated by: Captain Viscount Middlemore

Captain the Marquess Dai

For continuous command of flipping-actions.

Nominated by: Captain the 1st Baronet Wilmore

Captain Iredale

HMS Britannia, 102, was boarded by a french Trinity while on patrolling outside Bridgetown. The Britannia won the fight easily, but while being in boarding combat, the Britannia was shot at by many other french ships. Captain Iredale, commanding his small sloop, sailed up to the Britannia and protected her from enemy fire. For this courageous act, Captain Iredale deserves a medal.

Captain Sir James Wilmore

Captain the 1st Baronet Blatchford

Mylords of the Saint George Squadron,

it is my pleasure to suggest Captain Nathan Blatchford for a commendation. Sir Nathan has developed heraldic Coats of Arms for the Officers of SGS, which add a lot of historical flavour top the gameplay. Encouraging him to carry on with his beautiful artwork, I wish to recommend him for the assigned commendation.

I remain your humble servant,

Captain Seth Lord Seaborn, the Earl of Strafford

Captain Viscount Wick

Having completed one full year's active service, this Captain is awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Ribbon.

Captain the Baron James Raleigh

Having completed one full year's active service, this Captain is awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Ribbon.

Captain the Baron Leo Davis

Having completed one full year's active service, this Captain is awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Ribbon.

Captain Sir J. R. Lapenotiere

Having completed one full year's active service, this Captain is awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Ribbon.

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:

Alec Dai

Thomas Mackenzie

Nathan Blatchford

James Wilmore

James Castor

Charles Irons

Jonathan Grey

Edward Cutler

William Pole

Edward Southwick

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:

Darius Bush

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.

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

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

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 gives the amount of ships present, and the red number in brackets gives losses.

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.

November 1st
Battle of Charlestown:

Battle of Spanish Town:

November 2nd
Battle of Charlestown:

Battle of Bluefields:

November 3rd
Battle of Port-of-Spain:

November 6th
Battle of Puerto del Principe:

November 8th
Battle of Port Saint Joe:

November 9th
Battle of Bluefields:

November 11th
Battle of Puerto Cabezas:

November 12th
Battle of Spanish Town:

Battle of Charlestown:

November 14th
Battle of Puerta de Plata:

Battle of Santo Domingo:

November 16th
Battle of Portobelo:

November 17th
Battle of Cartagena:

November 19th
Battle of Port Saint Joe:

Battle of New Orleans:

November 20th
Battle of Port Saint Joe:

November 22nd
Battle of Puerta de Plata:

Battle of Santiago:

Battle of Santo Domingo:

November 23rd
Battle of Portobelo:

Battle of Caracas:

Battle of Bridgetown:

Battle of Roseau:

Battle of St. John's:

November 24th
Battle of Spanish Town:

Battle of Leogane:

November 25th
Battle of Cartagena:

November 26th
Battle of Cartagena:

November 27th
Battle of Orleans:

Battle of Riding Rocks:

Battle of Belle Isle:

Battle of Jaqueme:

November 28th
Battle of Basseterre:

Battle of Port Saint Joe:

Battle of New Orleans:

Battle of Puerto Cabezas:

November 29th
Battle of Cayo de Marquis:

November 30th
Battle of Puerta de Plata:

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