In 1853, a new system, Continuous Service, was introduced for ratings in the Royal Navy. Before that date they would sign on to a particular vessel. So in Thomas Foxall's case he signed for the HERMES, a sloop launched 1803, then the HERALD, a sloop also launched 1803. On 25 Oct 1807 boats of the Herald capture French privateer César. By 1815 the war with Napoleon was over so there were reductions in the Royal Navy, which would explain his long break in service. There was no particular war situation in 1840, although there was a increase in minor colonial wars. The RATTLESNAKE was a survey vessel which in the period 1839-42 was engaged in the Operations in China. Officers and Men serving on this ship during this period may be eligible for a Medal. Most of the other vessels were based in Portsmouth as Depot and Guard ships. I hope that this helps David ----- Original Message ----- From: "ALAN FOXALL" <alan.foxall@btinternet.com> To: <HAMPSHIRE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2006 5:49 AM Subject: [Ham] Thomas Foxall RN > I have received a photocopy of the service record of my Gt.Gt.Grandfather Thomas William Foxall from the National Archives (ADM29/61/68). It seems that he served 27 years 231 days between 1804 and 1862 on a variety of ships, with a break between 1815 & 1840. > On the photocopy there are a couple of ships that I cannot identify so I would appreciate any suggestions :- > > He seem to join HMS (Herson or Herons or perhaps Hermes) on Aug 11 1804 (when he was 13) he stay with this ship until March 1907 then the day after joined the Herald until Aug 1808. there appears to be a year gap and he rejoins the Herald in August 1809 and stays with her until October 1815. There is then a Twenty five year gap until Sept 1840 when he joins the (Rolltasuake or Rattlesnake or Rolltasmake) for about 3 and a half years. He then spends 3 years on Victory (1844-47) , two years on Illustrious 1848-1850, a years on Britannica 1850/51, three years on Neptune 1851-54, three years on St Vincent 1854-58, a few months on the Duke of Wellington 1858 then back on St Vincent for a year until 1859. Back on the Illustrious in 1859 for two years then completed his service on Asia until September 1862 by which time he is 70!!. > > I get the impression that from 1840 onwards most if not all the ships mentioned where at dock at Portsmouth so not much of a life on the ocean waves especially as he gets nearer to 70. > > I would be very grateful for any suggestion or advise where to find out more about the above ships at the period my man was aboard. > > A Happy new year to all the list > > Alan Foxall > > > > ==== HAMPSHIRE Mailing List ==== > Treat others as you wish to be treated yourselves, with respect > Visit the knightroots website at www.knightroots.co.uk >