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Beschermer / Berchermer, 1799
Type: Floating battery ; Armament 50
Acquired : from the Dutch of the Texel 1799 ;
Disposal date or year : 1838
Notes:
30 Aug 1799 captured by voluntarily surrendering (the seamen having refused to fight against the orange flag) to a British squadron under Vice-admiral Mitchell, in the Vlieter, Texel. (Vol iii, Appendix No 2)
Circa Jul 1801 Captain A. Fraser, to the Berschermer.
6 Aug 1801 it is reported that the tender Charlotte, formerly attached to Adm. Graeme, CinC of the Nore, but now attached to Lord Nelson, in returning from the Dutch floating battery Berchermar, Capt Fraser, stationed her the Middle Sand to guard the Swin Passage, was taken possession of by about 30 Dutch volunteers, who have for some time been employed as volunteers by R.-Adm. Rowley, in fitting out the ships at Chatham, and were on return to that place, having just completed the Berchermar. In the night, having got her under way, but ran her aground on the East Barrow Sand, not knowing the River. 11 of the more determined, after cutting the tender's rigging took the tender's 4-oared boat and pushed off down river, for the continent, with the tender's crew hoping that they would be picked up by one of our cruisers.
2 Nov 1801 arrived Sheerness, from Ousley Bay.
12 Nov 1801 remains Sheerness, with the Zealand, guard-ship.
30 Nov 1801 remains with the Zealand and some 20 other vessels at the Nore.
25 Jan 1802 the Beschermer, lying at the Nore, owing to the late heavy gales "has nearly drawn her bows out and she leaks very much, and must come into harbour to be repaired."
14 Feb 1802 remain at the Nore, with the Zealand.
16 Mar 1802 a Court Martial was held on board the Beschermer, lying at the Nore, on Lieutenant Thomas Gaborian Marshall, of that ship, on charges exhibited against him by Captain Fraser, for drunkenness, sleeping on his watch, disobedience of orders, and neglect of duty. The charges of drunkenness and neglect of duty were proved ; but, in consideration of circumstances, the Court do only adjudge Lieutenant T. G. Marshall, to be dismissed HM ship Beschermer.
16 Mar 1802 a Court Martial was held on board the Beschermer, lying at the Nore, on Lieutenant Gilchrist, of the Diligence, for neglect of duty, &c. The charge being in part proved, he was dismissed his Majesty's service, and put at the bottom of the List.
23 Mar 1802 a Court Martial was held, and by adjournment on the 24th at the Nore, on board the Beschermer, Rear Admiral Rowley President, on Captain Fraser, of that ship, on charges exhibited against him by Lieutenant Thomas Gaborian Marshall, late belonging to the said ship, for having, on the 9th of February last, behaved in a tyrannical and oppressive manner, by collaring and shaking him (the said Lieutenant) on the gangway of the said ship, on his watch on deck, and being then in the execution of his duty. When the Court was of opinion, that the charges exhibited by Lieut. Marshall were ill founded, and do therefore most fully acquit the said Captain Fraser; and he is hereby most fully acquitted accordingly.
31 Mar 1802 many of the vessels at Sheerness are to be sent to Chatham to be paid off.
19 Apr 1802 was one of a number of vessels paid off at Chatham since 11 Apr.
17 Apr 1803 contract riggers have begun to work on the rigging of the Beschermer at Chatham.
Circa 31 Dec 1803 Capt V V Ballard apptd to the Beschermer, vice Mansell.
1805 Chatham, to repair in Ordinary
1806 lent to the East India Co, Blackwall.
1834 still on loan to the East India Co. at Blackwall.