Naval General Service clasp Martinique,
Henry Jackson, Midshipman.
Spent 4 years as a Prisoner of war at Verdun following the capture of ‘Racer’ following an action against French Brigs in 1810. Still serving afloat as late as 1843.
Henry Jackson, b. 1792 joined Navy ‘Frolic’ 14 in 1806 and present as Midshipman aboard the same ship at the capture of Martinique. On 6th October, 1809 he is shown as ‘Run’ , rather unusual for an aspiring officer. He resumed his service in April 1810 rated as ‘Ord’ . In October 1810 he was aboard ‘Racer’ when following the capture and burning off a French Brig she attempted to attack another but ran aground and after a short fight was obliged to strike.
‘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 manoeuvred toward the other one along the shore the leadsman called out depths ranging from 6 to 8 fathoms. When he called out five fathoms Miller had Racer put in stays, but it was too late and she grounded. He discovered 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 2 a.m.. In the morningFrench troops arrived and opened fire, fire the British returned the best they could. By afternoon Racer was still high and dry. With more French troops arriving Miller had no choice but to strike. The court martial found that the leadsman had given false reports on the depth to cause the grounding. He, however, had disappeared after the wreck.’
Whilst rated aboard as ‘Ord’ Jackson was sent along with the other officers to Verdun where he was held until April 1814. He is listed according to French records as Henry Jackson, Aspirant (Midshipman) Le Racer Cutter. In August 1814 ‘Run’ was removed from his record after his release and presumably able to present an explanation at an Admiralty hearing. Jackson served afloat until as late as 1841 aboard various vessels in the rank of 2.Master, a/Master. His final appointment was as 2nd. Master aboard the 110 gun HMS Queen
