Category Archives: Piracy

St Martin's Church, Great Mongeham, Kent, England

Wall tablet at Great Mongeham, Kent commemorating Cpatin Robert Maynard RN d. 1750

Location

St Martin's Church, Great Mongeham, Kent, England

Transcript

'The the Memory of Captain ROBERT MAYNARD, / Faithful and Experienced Commander / in the Royal Navy / Who, after he had distinguished himself / by many brave and Gallant Actions / in the service of his KING and Country/ retired to this Place / where he died on January the 1st 1750 / Aged 67'

Details

Type: Wall tablet
Position: Exterior
Materials: Stone

People

Maynard, Robert
Age: 67
Date of Death: 1/1/1750
Cause of Death: Unknown
Rank / Occupation: Captain
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: As a Lieutenant, Maynard lead the attack which killed the pirate Edward Teach (Blackbeard) in 1718.
Recorder: Mrs S. Gilbert
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St George's Church, Beckington, Somerset, England

Memorial at  Beckington, Somerset to Vice-Admiral Harry Edmund Edgell d. 1876

Location

St George's Church, Beckington, Somerset, England

Transcript

'THIS TABLET IS ERECTED IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF VICE ADMIRAL HARRY EDMUND EDGELL. C.B. / OF STANDERWICK COURT SOMERSET / (ONLY SON OF REAR ADMIRAL HARRY FFOLKES EDMUND EDGELL) / BORN MAY 7 1809 / THE GREATER PART OF WHOSE LIFE WAS SPENT IN THE ACTIVE SERVICE / OF HIS COUNTRY. / WHILE YET A LIEUTENANT HE WAS ENGAGED IN THE SUPPRESSION OF PIRACY / IN THE STRAITES OF MALACCA AND SUBSEQUENTLY TOOK PART / IN FORCING THE PASSAGE OF THE BOCCA TIGRIS (CANTON RIVER) / IN WHICH ACTION HE WAS TWICE WOUNDED / SERVED IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR / UNDER CAPTN. HYDE PARKER, H.M.S. "RODNEY" ON THE COAST OF SPAIN, / DURING HE CARLIST WAR. / WHILE IN COMMAND OF H.M.S. "SIREN" PROCEEDED TO BOUDROOM, ASIA MINOR, / AND CONVEYED TO ENGLAND THE CELEBRATED "CANNING MARBLES" / NOW IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, / FOR WHICH, AND OTHER LOCAL SERVICES HE RECEIVED THE THANKS, OF / THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. / IN 1855, IN COMMAND OF H.M.S. "TRIBUNE" DURING THE CRIMEAN WAR / SERVED IN THE BLACK SEA, AND ASSISTED IN TH CAPTURE OF KINBURN, / WAS PRESENT AT ARICA, WHERE, DURING THE REVOLUTION IN PERU, / HE RENDERED MUCH IMPORTANT SERVICE. / WAS ACTIVELY EMPLOYED DURING THE CHINESE WAR (1857-1858) / AND IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS SERVICES WAS APPOINTED COMMODORE / IN THE EAST INDIAN AND CHINA STATION. / IN 1859 WAS NOMINATED C.B., AND IN 1861 A.D.C. TO HER MAJESTY. / IN 1863 WAS APPOINTED CAPTN. SUPERINTENDENT / OF THE R.N. HOSPITAL, HASLAR, GOSPORT. / IN 1864, HE BECAME REAR-ADMIRAL. / IN 1866, RETIRED ON A GREENWICH HOSPITAL PENSION, AND IN 1871, / ATTAINED THE RANK OF VICE-ADMIRAL. / HE HAD RECEIVED THE CRIMEAN, TURKISH, AND CHINESE MEDALS / AND THE TURKISH ORDER OF THE MEDJIDIE, OF THE 4TH CLASS / A TRUE EXAMPLE ALIKE OF THE / BRITISH SAILOR AND CHRISTIAN GENTLEMEN, / HE PASSED TO HIS REST FRBY 4. 1876, AGED 66, / AND WAS INTERRED IN THE FAMILY VAULT OF THIS CHURCH.'

Details

Description: Inscription surrounded by cable moulding, curved at the top containing a recessed circle with a carved anchor.
Type: Wall tablet
Position: West end of nave
Materials: White and grey marble, Bath stone

Event

Second China War; Crimea War

Event Category

19th Century conflicts in Asia

People

Edgell, Henry Edmund
Age: 66
Date of Death: 4/2/1876
Cause of Death: unknown
Rank / Occupation: Vice Admiral
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Recorder: The Arts Society (NADFAS)
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St Peter's Church, Carmarthen, Wales

John Williams d. 1688

Memorial in St Peter’s Church, Carmarthen to John Williams d. 1688, who served with Captain Morgan Kempthorne, of the ‘Kingfisher’

Location

St Peter's Church, Carmarthen, Wales

Transcript

‘Near this Place / lyes the Body of John WILLIAMS / youngest Son of NICHOLAS WILLIAMS / of RHYD-ODWYNNE in this County / Esq / His Early Inclinations Carry’d him to the / Service of his Prince att Land & Sea / In the last at Reformade to Capt KEMPTHORNE / to whose Memory Honor is due from his Countrey / he Behav’d himselfe w’th Resolution worthy of a Gent / in an Action Eminant for its Inequality of 7 Algerines / ag. One single ship the Kgfisher who Maintained the sea / Disabl’d to Pursue/ when Further Occasion was Deny’d him to Prosecute his / inclinations he retired into his own Countrey where he / liv’d an honest man and Died a Good Christian in / the communion of the Blest Church, the church of ENGLAND / Anno Domin 1687/8 Aetatis Suae 29 / this Monument an Afectionate Bro.r. Caus’d / to be Erected in Gratitude to his Memory.’

Details

Description: Cartouche, surmounted by an urn. The inscription surrounded by a laurel wreath, scrolls and flowers.
Type: Wall tablet
Materials: Stone
Vessel: Kingfisher

People

Williams, John
Age: 25
Date of Death: 1688
Cause of Death: unknown
Rank / Occupation: unknown
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: Refers to the 'Kingfisher' action 2 June 1681.
Recorder: Professor Norman Hammond & Dr J. L. Wilson 2014
Photographer: Professor Norman Hammond
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St Mary's Church, Watford, Hertfordshire, England

Wall tablet in St Mary’s Church, Watford, Hertfordshire commemorating Lieutenant George Pidcock RN d. 1853

Location

St Mary's Church, Watford, Hertfordshire, England

Transcript

'IN MEMORY OF / LIEUT. GEORGE ADOLPHUS PIDCOCK, R.N. / YOUNGEST SON OF JOHN PIDCOCK, AND GEORGINA, HIS WIFE, / THIS BRAVE AND ZEALOUS OFFICER WAS KILLED / IN THE ACT OF BOARDING WITH THE CUTTERS CREW / A HEAVILY ARMED JUNK WHICH ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE / WHEN A FORMIDABLE FLEET OF PIRATES WAS CAPTURED OFF AMOY / BY H.M.S.'RATTLER' MAY 11TH 1853, AGED 27. / HIS LOSS IS DEEPLY DEPLORED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, / AND SINCERELY REGRETTED BY HIS BROTHER OFFICERS / WHO SORROWFULLY COMMITTED HIS BODY TO THE DEEP / BETWEEN NAMQUAN AND THE INCOG ISLANDS.' [INCISED LINE] 'FULL MANY A GEM OF PUREST RAY SERENE / THE DARK UNFATHOMED CAVES OF OCEAN BEAR [italic]'

Details

Description: White marble on a black base. Arched head with a foul anchor in high relief, resting on a cornice carved with dog-tooth ornament, the whole supported by two consoles.
Type: Wall tablet
Position: South nave, east wall
Materials: Marble
Artists: J. Bedford
Vessel: HMS Rattler

Event Category

19th century conflicts in Asia

People

Pidcock, George Adolphus
Age: 26
Date of Death: 11/5/1853
Cause of Death: War casualty
Rank / Occupation: Lieutenant RN
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Recorder: The Arts Society (NADFAS) 1988
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All Saint's Church, Jakarta, Indonesia, Rest of the World

Gravestone at All Saint’s Church, Jakarta, Indonesia commemorating Captain James Bowen RN d. 1812

Location

All Saint's Church, Jakarta, Indonesia, Rest of the World

Transcript

'James Bowen / Captain of His Majesty's Ship Phoenix / 1782-1812 / In consequence of a Disease / brought on by / his exertion at an attack / on a powerful Pirate / at Sambasse.'

Details

Type: Gravestone
Vessel: HMS Phoenix

People

Bowen, James
Age: 30
Date of Death: 26/12/1812
Cause of Death: Infectious disease
Rank / Occupation: Captain RN
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: Gravestone fixed to a wall having been moved from another church. The pirate's name was Pangerang Anom. His stronghold was attacked on 15 November 1812 by a British force led by Bowen. After coming under heavy enemy fire, they withdrew. Bowen's report in NMM manuscript collection MKH/122. Bowen returned to Batavia where he died on 26 December 1812. See log ADM/2669 26 December 'Departed this life Jas Bowen Junr Esq Captain sent the officers and 12 men on shore to attend his funeral ... 6.00 fired 30 minute guns during the interment of the Captain'. Log signed by Edward Manday Senior Lieutenant and Acting Captain.
Photographer: Ruth Mary Hall 2007
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Church of St Michael and All Angels, East Coker, Somerset, England

Plaque in  St Michael and All Angels, East Coker, Somerset commemorating William Dampier d. 1715

Location

Church of St Michael and All Angels, East Coker, Somerset, England

Transcript

'In memory of William Dampier, Buccaneer, Explorer, Hydrographer. Thrice he circumnavigated the Globe, and, first of all Englishmen, explored and described the coast of Australia. An exact observer of all things in Earth, Sea, and Air, he recorded the knowledge won by years of danger and hardship in Books of Voyages and a Discourse on Winds, Tides, and Currents which Nelson bade his midshipmen to study and Humboldt praised for scientific worth. Born at East Coker 1651 He died in London 1715 and lies buried in an unknown grave. The world is apt to judge of everything by the success, and whosoever has ill fortune will hardly be allowed a good name.' [Small plaque alongside main one commemorating 300th anniversary of the landing of William Dampier in Australia, New Holland 4 Jan 1688.]

Details

Type: Plaque
Materials: Brass

People

Dampier, William
Age:
Date of Death: 1715
Cause of Death: Unknown/None
Rank / Occupation: Pirate. Hydrographer
Organisation:

Extra

Notes: Born at Hymerford House, East Coker 1651.
Recorder: David Saunders, 1994
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Huangpu, Guangdong, China, Rest of the World

Memorial at Huangpu, Guangdong, China commemorating Edward Auguste d. 1847

Location

Huangpu, Guangdong, China, Rest of the World

Details

People

Auguste, Edward
Age:
Date of Death: 8/8/1847
Cause of Death: Murdered
Rank / Occupation:
Organisation:

Extra

Notes: Swiss, killed by pirates.
Bibliography: 'Chowkidar' vol. viii, no. 2, p. 26 (1997).
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Cross Hill, Ascension Island, Rest of the World

Memorial on Ascension Island to the officers and crew of HMS ‘Redpole’ believed lost in action with a pirate vessel ‘Congress’ in 1828

Location

Cross Hill, Ascension Island, Rest of the World

Transcript

'HMS REDPOLE / BRIG SLOOP 239 TONS 10 GUNS / 76 CREW ST. HELENA STATION / 1817-1819 / COMMANDER JOS: THOMAS PASLY DIED 15-6-1817 / REDPOLE LOST 10-8-1828 / BELIEVED SUNK IN ACTION WITH A PIRATE VESSEL / CONGRESS OFF CAPE FRIO / JRC 1951'

Details

Type: Pyramid
Position: Near the navigation lights
Materials: Stone, copper plaque
Vessel: HMS Redpole; Congress

People

Pasly, Jos.Thomas
Age:
Date of Death: 15/6/1817
Cause of Death: War casualty
Rank / Occupation:
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: HMS 'Redpole' formerly of the St Helena Station, sunk in action with a pirate vessel - 'Congress' off Cape Frio, North of Buenos Aires in 1828.
Recorder: Jeff Cant 1997
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All Saints Church, Bisham, Windsor and Maidenhead, England

Wall tablet at All Saints Church, Bisham, Windsor and Maidenhead commemorating Admiral Edward Vansittart d. 1904

Location

All Saints Church, Bisham, Windsor and Maidenhead, England

Transcript

'To the glory of God and in memory of George Henry Vansittart b. 23 April 1823 d. 3 Nov 1885. Augustus A. Vansittart b. 14 July 1824 d. 17 April 1882. Admiral Edward Vansittart C.B. b. 14 July 1818 d. 19 Oct 1904. Edward Vansittart Neale b. 2 April 1810 d. 16 Sept 1892. George Kenneth Vansittart Neale b. 28 June 1890 d. 14 Oct 1904. The East window was erected in 1904 in place of one presented by the merchants of Shanghai and its vicinity in grateful commemoration of the distinguished services of Captain E. W. Vansittart R.N. when in command of H.M. Sloop Bittern in the suppression of piracy in the Chinese seas. A.D. 1855'

Details

Type: Wall tablet
Materials: White marble and green marble background
Vessel: HMS Bittern

People

Vansittart, Edward
Age: 82
Date of Death: 19/10/1904
Cause of Death: Unknown/None
Rank / Occupation: Admiral of the White
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: Heraldry.
Recorder: B. Tomlinson 1982
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Labuan Botanic Garden, Labuan, Malaysia, Rest of the World

Memorial at the Labuan Botanic Garden, Labuan, Malaysia commemorating Adam Sutherland, RM, d. 1847

Location

Labuan Botanic Garden, Labuan, Malaysia, Rest of the World

Transcript

'SACRED TO THE MEMORY / COLOUR SERGEANT / ADAM G SUTHERLAND / of the Royal Marines, late / of Her Majesty's Brig / COLUMBINE / who fell mortally wounded / in the noble discharge of his / duty in an attack on Balanini / Pirates in the Cutter / of that Vessel on the / 30th May 1847'

Details

Type: Gravestone
Vessel: HMS Columbine

People

Sutherland, Adam G.
Age: Unknown
Date of Death: 30/5/1847
Cause of Death: War casualty
Rank / Occupation: Colour Sergeant RM
Organisation: Royal Marines

Extra

Notes: Several Royal Navy and Royal Marines Officers and Crew were originally at the Old Naval Cemetery, Labuan. In May 1975, the headstones were moved to the Labuan Botanical Gardens.

Bibliography: 'Chowkidar' vol. 7, no.4.
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