Hi Everyone I am trying to find the parents of a John Gerrard who was born in 1754 (from his HEIO service records), probably in England. I have found his service records on LDS films 2030123 (East India Co merchant marine appointments) and 2030124 (East India Co merchant marine services), but unfortunately his career began before the period of 1780 to 1800 covered by 2030127 (East India Co Officers Baptism or Age Certificates). Thus I have not found his baptism or other proof of age data. Is there anywhere else I can look in the East India Co information to find this? John Gerrard's career started in 1772 when he was a seaman on the "Anglicana" (I don't think this was an HEIC ship) on which he did an 8 month trip up the Straights. He then did his first trip to India and China, as a midshipman on the HEIC ship "Queen" in 1774 to 1776, and went on to become commander of both the "Deptford" and the "Pitt". So 1773/4 would appear to be when he would have applied to the HEIC. The IGI gives a John Gerrard christened on 29 Dec 1754 in Whitegate, Cheshire with parents William and Mary and another, christened on 8 Sep 1754 in Weaverham, Cheshire with father William. My John Gerrard named his first two children William and Mary, which would seem to fit, except for the fact that both of those names were extremely popular at that time! Any help appreciated. All the best Peter