Gunboat No. 7 ➡ 1797 Sparkler

Posted by Jon Miller on Sunday 14th of June 2026 04:09

Five gun vessels are to be stationed at Hof which is to be moored in Harwich harbour, for the protection of the Essex coast. During the last week, the Furious, Swinger, and Sparkler, the latter of which is to be moored in Harwich harbour, were appointed to this service. [Hampshire Chronicle, 6 January 1798]

Posted by Jon Miller on Saturday 30th of May 2026 06:55

Sheerness, 11 October 1801: Orders have been received this morning for the different vessels mentioned, to prepare immediately for paying off, viz, the Magicienne, Braak, Daphne, Waazamield, Hebe, and La Raison frigates; Alceste and Serapis, floating batteries; Experiment, fire vessel, and Hecla, bomb; and Boreas, slop ship; with the Crash, Swinger, Wrangler, Pincher, Scourge, Sparkler, Furnace, Force, Teazer, Gallant, and Constant. [London Courier, 12 October 1801]

Posted by Tim Oakley on Sunday 25th of December 2016 21:05

24 Jun 1800 a court martial was held on board the Gladiator, at Portsmouth harbour, on Mr. William O'Kelly, the surgeon of the gun vessel Sparkler. Lieutenant Walker, the commanding officers stated he behaved in a mutinous, riotous and disorderly manner : disobeying orders, and striking Mr.Allen, the Clerk etc. The charges being proved in part, Mr. O'Kelly was sentenced to two years in Marshalsea Prison, and to forfeit his pay.

2 Jul 1800 a court martial was held on board the Gladiator, in Portsmouth harbour, on William Walker, commanding officer of the Sparkler, on numerous charges of having answered for men at musters who had deserted, having shortened the ship's provisions and drawn the balance on shore for his own use ; and sent salt herrings on board without vegetables, and much else besides. The charges being proved in part Lieutenant Walker was dismissed HM Service.