Part of the
Acorn Archive
Hearts of Oak
SS Amazon
Destruction of
the Steamship by Fire with Great Loss of Life
The reason that I first became interested in the story of
the loss of the SS Amazon,
was that I found an entry (many years ago)
in George Clement Boase’ Collectanea Cornubiensia of 1890.
This was under Shipwrecks and was included in the book by
virtue of there having been
six Cornishmen in the crew,
together with another Cornishman, under passage to take
up his appointed position
on HMS Devastation, a rather unfortunate coincidence of a
name.
The
gentleman was Lieutenant Charles G Grylls RN, who had distinguished himself in
the saving of lives on that fateful day. The reports were such that it had been
announced in the Cornwall Gazette on the 8th January 1852, that 25
year old Lt Charles Grylls had perished, and that would have been the third son
lost in the year. The message that Lt Grylls sent that Friday morning by
special messenger to his father clearly was received with much joy; and
celebrations upon his return to St Neot ensued, the village swollen by hundreds
from other villages.
Lieutenant Commander Charles Gerveys
Grylls was the 3rd Son (one of ten children)
of
the Reverend Henry Grylls (d 1862) and Ellen Mary Boulderson of St Neot,
Cornwall.
Born
at St Neot 1st July 1826; christened
15th August 1826
He
was Inspecting Commander of Coast Guard, Chester until his death.
Died
Cheltenham 7th February 1860; buried 14th February 1860 in St. Neot.
His
younger brother, was Henry Gerveys Grylls (Midshipman RN), born 14 September
1824 and died on HMS Ganges, at Lisbon 11th September 1839, “age 13”.
His
elder brother, Horatio Glynn Grylls born 1828, became Lieutenant 64th Regiment,
died and was buried 8th January 1852.
Another
brother born 1831, Shadwell Morley Grylls became Lt Colonel RA, Sherrif of
Cornwall.
Lieutenant
Commander Charles Gerveys Grylls was later in command of
HMS
FANCY, a Dapper Class Gunboat, launched 31st March 1855; a 232 ton wooden hull,
screw propeller ship, with three guns Tender to Cornwallis; and from 11th May
1855 on the Black Sea (Tender to Royal Albert) during the Russian War.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Captain William Symons was born in 8th May 1801, in Falmouth,
Cornwall.
He
had already given a well appreciated service, as well as that rendered in
Panama,
in
command of the Royal Tar.
ROYAL
TAR [King William IV, was in the RN
1779-1790].
Launched
1832, built by John Duffus & Co, Aberdeen. 681grt; 154 x 27.6 x 6.5 ft.
2
cyl paddle wooden steamer; 260 ihp; 8 knots.
ROYAL
TAR was one of the two ships chartered by P&O in 1833 from The Dublin and
London Steam Packet Company. The other was the WILLIAM FAWCETT.
Royal
Tar made four full voyages to the Peninsula May - November 1834, through
Willcox & Anderson of London.
In
1835, In association with HMS CASTOR and HMS RINGDOVE, ROYAL TAR relieved the
siege of Bilbao, and landed the 1st Regiment of the British Legion, recruited
in England. For Captain William Symons’ service in commanding the ship during
this period of support for the Queen of Spain, he was conferred the Knight
Cross of the Royal American Order of Isabella, the highest order that could be
conferred on a foreign civilian.
In
1836, some of the recruits for her majesty’s service in Spain, upon arrival in
Falmouth for coal and water, escaped and took over the collier JOHN, and got
her under way, however, Captain Symons took the situation in hand and took
Royal Tar alongside, forced her off shore, and then ordered a chain to be
passed around the foremast, then towed the John out into the Outer Roads, armed
his crew and forced the rebels back on board the Royal Tar, and then proceeded
on his appointed voyage.
Royal
Tar was eventually sold in 1847 to the Portuguese Government and was
reconditioned by the same company that built the Amazon, Greens of Blackwall.
~~~~~~~~~
The
young man, William Vincent, who had also
distinguished himself in taking command of an appalling situation and in saving
lives, was born 3rd May 1834, also in Falmouth.
Raymond Forward