Frigate HMS WATCHER 32

Captain The Honourable Sir Willoughby Ponsonby-Smythe

Commanding

Lieutenant Hesekiel Hogarth

First Lieutenant

Captain Willoughby you have been in command of the Watcher approximately three months. She was badly handled in an engagement by the USS United States 44. Captain Stark was badly wounded, the First Lieutenant was killed and crew casualties were extensive numbering 20 killed and 45 wounded. She successfully bought enough time for her convoy to scatter and escape. The Watcher was ordered back to England for a complete refit and to train crew replacements. Lieutenant MacDonald commanded her on the voyage home and has overseen most of the overhaul but is far to junior to be given command. Just over two years seniority he was extensively Mentioned in Dispatches by Admiral Medicus. He was recommended for promotion to Commander but this was not approved by the Admiralty.

What you you know about Rear Admiral Medicus:

Sir Harold Medicus. His service has been mostly with the Channel Fleet, although he was deployed to the East Indies as young Midshipman. He often tells a tale about the Sultan’s Harem aboard the flagship that appears to ‘guild the lilly,’ just bit. Battle experience includes service as a Leftenant aboard the ‘Queen Charlotte’ 100 with Lord Howe during the Glorious First of June against the French (1794) and promoted to Captain after that battle. He was a Commodore 2nd Class commanding the frigate ‘Euryalus’ 38 during Trafalgar 11 years lator. His last command was the HMS Gilmore 74 on the America Station. She had an indecisive engagement with the USS Columbia 74. Recently promoted to Rear Admiral with the unheard low seniority of only 18 years as a Post Captain. He is known to have a taste for French Brandy and Virgina Tobacco. Officers taking prizes under his command have benefited from captures containing these items. Rumor has he will be returning home within the next six months to retire.

The Watcher has spent the last thirty days working up with the Channel Fleet and has been ordered to rejoin the Bermuda Squadron. Leftenant Hogarth you have served the last two years aboard the HMS Nonsuch 74, as Second Lieutenant, with the Channel Fleet. You were transferred to the Watcher to provide an experienced First Lieutenant. Watcher was part of a convoy escort covering supply ships enroute to Kingston, Jamaca. You were detached enroute. The voyage was uneventful and the weather clear. Sail drill has been fair and gunnery drill very good. Lieutenant MacDonald seems to have a knack for motivating the gun crews and is a natural gunner himself. He also identifies the ships in port.

########################################################################Gentlemen: Pete, JS the Watcher is arriving at Bermuda in the early afternoon, the weather is good with a light breeze and excellent visibilty. Present in port are the Buffonia 44, Jana 22, Willow 18, and Crab 6. You have just been challenged by the Crab patroling the harbor entrance “What Ship?” {Your turn starts now, due 15 Mar 02}