Liz I am sure far more knowledgeable people than I will answer, but as far as I can see the only possible "Hearty" is HMS Hearty, a fisheries protection vessel, ship number 95682, built Lowestoft 1888. There is apparently a photo of her if you scroll down the replies to a query on a naval message board, but you have to join to view it- http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8790 Clare Oxford UK In a message dated 07/09/2013 08:16:12 GMT Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Hi List, I have Archer Wheeler in my family. He was b 1862 Brighlingsea, Essex On the 1881 census he is at home and his occupation is Shipwright On the 1891 census he is in Harwich on the vessel "Hearty" and is a Carpenters Mate. Does this mean that he was in the RN ? and if so is there any way that I can find out more about his service. He died in the June q of 1900 leaving a wife and 3 children. Regards Liz