NGS clasp Martinique, Midshipman an interesting recipient having marked as ‘Run’ as a young Midshipman, present as Midshipman aboard HMS Racer, spending four years as a prisoner of war at Verdun following Racers action against French brigs . Having taken by boats and destroyed one she grounded coming alongside the second and after an action against French ground troops was obliged to strike.

Naval General Service clasp Martinique

Henry Jackson Midshipman

Henry Jackson, born Gosport 1792, Boy,  HMS Brilliant 1806, Midshipman 1808, HMS Frolic and present at the capture of Martinique. Transferred to HMS Morne Fortunee in July 1809. In October 1809 he is shown as ‘Run’ , a highly unusual entry for an aspiring officer. He emerges in April 1810 aboard HMS Dwarf (20) though as an Able Seaman , perhaps in consequence of his earlier misdemeanor.  June 1810 sees Jackson aboard HMS Racer in his rank of Midshipman and along with the crew following an action with French Brigs later French ground forces when grounded during the action. Forced to strike Jackson spent the following four years along with the othe officers at Verdun, the prison for captive officers. He was released in april 1814 after the end of the War with France.

Lieutenant Daniel Miller had been ordered to patrol off the North Foreland to protect trade and annoy the enemy. On 25 October she chased a French lugger privateer over to the French coast, but lost her. Miller sighted two brigs on shore. A boat party captured and burnt one. As Racer maneuvered toward the other one along the shore the leadsman called out depths ranging from six to eight fathoms. When he called out five fathoms Miller had Racer put in stays, but it was too late and she grounded. He discovered that she was in three fathoms of water and had been in shallow water for some time. When the tide went out she heeled over on her side at 2a.m. In the morning French troops arrived and opened fire, fire that the British returned as best they could. By afternoon, Racer was still high and dry. As more French troops arrived, Miller had no choice but to strike. The court martial found that the leadsman had given false reports on the depth in order to cause the grounding. He, however, had disappeared after the wreck.

Following his release ‘Run’ was removed from his record in August 1814 and served until 1841 in the rank of 2nd Master & Act. Master his last ship being the 110 First Cl. Ship of the Line, HMS Queen.

1851 Census shows residing Portsea, Hampshire, Died Portsea 1855.