Royal Navy Enlistment August 31, 1809

[Jim Davis]

My wife's ancestor is John Elwes, b. abt 1778 in Norwich, Norfolk, England.

I have the following information from another relative, but cannot confirm it's accuracy.

John had joined the Royal Navy on August 31, 1809. He served on HNS Namar as an able seaman and as an able seaman and carpenter's assistant on The Lion - Man of War until he had an accident "falling from the ship's rigging". He was admitted to the Bombay Hospital as Patient #780 on April 15, 1810 and discharged and shipped back to England on January 17, 1811.

I would love to find his enlistment papers or some form of documentation that might shed some light on his early life or parentage. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Jim Davis
North Carolina USA

[DorothySandra]

The National Archives have the records for the Royal Navy, for a small fee you can download the complete record. [on their website go to Shop Online, Looking for a Person, Navy, type in your details and cross your fingers.]

I discovered to my delight that my grandfather (always spoken of as a mild-mannered, rather helpless man by my mother and her sisters) was a stoker, had a tattoo of a woman on his arm, and was several times put in the cells for fighting.

[Jim Davis]

Dorothy
Thanks for your reply. I tried your suggestion at the National Archives but their records appear to only go back to 1853 (for non officers) and my search is in the 1809/1811 timeframe. But thanks again for your idea. And glad to hear that your grandfather had a little spice and vinegar in his veins.

Jim

[mlarooij]

Try the MARINERS-request@rootsweb.com They have a wealth of knowledge

[Peter Goodey]

He served on HNS Namar

Would that be HMS Namur?

Have you read the Research Guide ?

[Jim Davis]

Miarooij

Your post suggested I try "Try the MARINERS-request@rootsweb.com. They have a wealth of knowledge."

I have been unable to locate your referenced Mariners-request on rootsweb. What am I missing.

Jim