Armada EspaÑola (Spain)
The first action of the Armada was in 1588 in an attempt to invade England. Though that particular endeavor didn't go well, the Armada had a number of successful battles afterward that caused other countries to fear its naval power; being the strongest in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the mid 1600's, Spain's power was weakening slightly due to the expenses of war in Europe and colonies in the New World. The Armada focused its attention on fortifying certain ports such as Havana and Veracruz while the British and other navies conquered other, smaller islands previously owned by Spain. Despite taking several defeats to Britain, Spain successfully escorted treasure fleets from the Caribbean. The continued flow of goods from the colonies helped to keep the country and the Armada afloat and allowed a comeback.
I haven't been able to find much information on the weapons issued to the Spanish Armada or the Marines at this time in history. Though, it's
fair to say they used flintlock, muskets, and cutlasses like most other navies.
I haven't been able to find much information on the weapons issued to the Spanish Armada or the Marines at this time in history. Though, it's
fair to say they used flintlock, muskets, and cutlasses like most other navies.
Pay Rates
Infantrymen earned 11 pieces of eight a month. Artillerymen earned 14 pieces of eight per month. Cavalrymen earned 22 pieces of eight per month and were required to purchase and maintain their own horses. Soldiers were given a daily ration of 2 reals for a monthly allowance of flour, maize, beef, pork, and salt. Annual deductions were taken from soldier's salaries for uniforms, hospital care, weapon repairs, medicine, and to support the Chapel - all of which totaled up to 27 pieces of eight and 6½ reals. This caused the deductions to become higher than the rate of pay, causing several soldiers to be in debt to the crown or local merchants and sometimes their pay was months behind. Because of this, many Spanish soldiers held second occupations to support their families, working as craftsmen, merchants, tavernkeepers, fishermen or farmers. On top of their monies woes, soldiers faced disgruntled civilians in the towns they were stations, particularly those in port towns with fortifications, because the civilians paid taxes for the troops, which sewed disharmony within the town. Needless to say, many soldiers deserted the military despite the punishment of a hanging.
Naval Vessels
Spain used several different type of vessels in their Armada, though the galleon is one vessel many know of Spain did not have too many during
this century. It's main focus was to transport the goods from its colonies to the homeland, some larger vessels were used for trade rather than warfare. Spain did not have a classification system of vessels based on size, guns, and crewman so the different types of vessels they used will be listed. When it comes to the classification of ships, it comes down to the length of the hull, the number of masts and decks, and the way the masts are rigged as well.
Unfortunately I cannot find any articles that offer a great amount of detail into the classification system of the Armada nor the specifics on
how many men and cannons were used on the vessels. If you come across an accurate source, please share.
Carrak
Often used for trade, this vessel had high, rounded castles on the bow and stern and had three or four masts. By design they were large enough
for stable sail in heavy seas and roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages. Despite its size it didn't carry many guns, the number
usually around or below 30.
Galleon
A heavy square-rigged vessel with three or four masts, generally equipped with three gundecks. Generally powered strictly by their sails, some
designs also operate with oars in addition to sails. Crafted from hardwoods, oak for the keel and pine for the masts, these ships were expensive to
build and often carried demi-culverin or demi-cannons aboard. Some distinguishing features of a galleon are the square gallery at the stern and
the long beak at the bow. Designed from the Carrack, its forecastle is lower and hull elongated making it faster than the Carrack. Having three
gundecks, the number of cannons were more than likely between 100 and 150 and the total number of crew between 300 and 400 men.
Galley
A low, small vessel propelled almost solely by oars, and often operated by crews of slaves, did well in coastal waters. Any heavy artillery on
these ships were mounted on the bow along with a built-in ram sheathed with metal; some vessels also had catapults. There was generally just
one cannon on the bow, usually of high poundage, and two swivel cannons on the bow and stern. Since it sits low in the water and is essentially a
heavy canoe, some of the taller vessels are harder for Galley sailors to board. Though several galley's were built with a single mast, it is only
used in favorable winds, human strength is the main strength behind the ship. A standard galley had 24 rowing benches on each side with three
rowers to a bench and a crew of 10 officers, 65 sailors, 140 rowers (usually slave labor) and 5 gunners.
Galleass
Based off the galley, these vessels are higher from the surface of the water, larger, and slower, though propelled by oars and sales. These had up
to 32 oars in total, a single oar being operated by up to five men, and usually three masts and a forecastle and aftcastle. Equipped with cannons,
the gundeck usually ran above the rower's head, though some designs have these deck the other way around.
Patache
A light and shallow sailing vessel with two masts, a cross between a brig and a schooner, it possesses a single deck and few cannons. Mainly
used for surveillance and inspection of coasts and ports. In large fleets it's main use was relying messages between the vessels or between the
fleet and ports. With a sail plan similar to the schooner, the vessel was fast with great windward ability. The overall crew is less than 100 men.
I could find very little information about this vessel but based on the few images I found and the knowledge that it is a cross between a brig
and a schooner, assumptions were made as to the specific qualities of the patache.
Pinaza (Pinnace)
A light boat propelled by oars or sails, some equipped with one mast, and favored by the Spaniards as a smuggling vessel at the time. Usually
carried aboard merchant or war vessels as lifeboats.
(Below is a gallery of pictures of vessels depicting those above. Credit for the images belongs to the respective artists.)
this century. It's main focus was to transport the goods from its colonies to the homeland, some larger vessels were used for trade rather than warfare. Spain did not have a classification system of vessels based on size, guns, and crewman so the different types of vessels they used will be listed. When it comes to the classification of ships, it comes down to the length of the hull, the number of masts and decks, and the way the masts are rigged as well.
Unfortunately I cannot find any articles that offer a great amount of detail into the classification system of the Armada nor the specifics on
how many men and cannons were used on the vessels. If you come across an accurate source, please share.
Carrak
Often used for trade, this vessel had high, rounded castles on the bow and stern and had three or four masts. By design they were large enough
for stable sail in heavy seas and roomy enough to carry provisions for long voyages. Despite its size it didn't carry many guns, the number
usually around or below 30.
Galleon
A heavy square-rigged vessel with three or four masts, generally equipped with three gundecks. Generally powered strictly by their sails, some
designs also operate with oars in addition to sails. Crafted from hardwoods, oak for the keel and pine for the masts, these ships were expensive to
build and often carried demi-culverin or demi-cannons aboard. Some distinguishing features of a galleon are the square gallery at the stern and
the long beak at the bow. Designed from the Carrack, its forecastle is lower and hull elongated making it faster than the Carrack. Having three
gundecks, the number of cannons were more than likely between 100 and 150 and the total number of crew between 300 and 400 men.
Galley
A low, small vessel propelled almost solely by oars, and often operated by crews of slaves, did well in coastal waters. Any heavy artillery on
these ships were mounted on the bow along with a built-in ram sheathed with metal; some vessels also had catapults. There was generally just
one cannon on the bow, usually of high poundage, and two swivel cannons on the bow and stern. Since it sits low in the water and is essentially a
heavy canoe, some of the taller vessels are harder for Galley sailors to board. Though several galley's were built with a single mast, it is only
used in favorable winds, human strength is the main strength behind the ship. A standard galley had 24 rowing benches on each side with three
rowers to a bench and a crew of 10 officers, 65 sailors, 140 rowers (usually slave labor) and 5 gunners.
Galleass
Based off the galley, these vessels are higher from the surface of the water, larger, and slower, though propelled by oars and sales. These had up
to 32 oars in total, a single oar being operated by up to five men, and usually three masts and a forecastle and aftcastle. Equipped with cannons,
the gundeck usually ran above the rower's head, though some designs have these deck the other way around.
Patache
A light and shallow sailing vessel with two masts, a cross between a brig and a schooner, it possesses a single deck and few cannons. Mainly
used for surveillance and inspection of coasts and ports. In large fleets it's main use was relying messages between the vessels or between the
fleet and ports. With a sail plan similar to the schooner, the vessel was fast with great windward ability. The overall crew is less than 100 men.
I could find very little information about this vessel but based on the few images I found and the knowledge that it is a cross between a brig
and a schooner, assumptions were made as to the specific qualities of the patache.
Pinaza (Pinnace)
A light boat propelled by oars or sails, some equipped with one mast, and favored by the Spaniards as a smuggling vessel at the time. Usually
carried aboard merchant or war vessels as lifeboats.
(Below is a gallery of pictures of vessels depicting those above. Credit for the images belongs to the respective artists.)
Naval Ranks
The Armada used a similar military ranking system as other countries of this time, though I am unable to find anything dictating the positions
and responsibility of seaman aboard military vessels. Like other navies, they had officers, gunners, and sailors aboard their vessels.
Almirante General (Admiral)
Highest naval rank, though usually not at sea
Vicealmirante (Rear-Admiral)
Commander of a certain portion of the fleet out at sea
Contralmirante (Commodore)
Commanding officer of a small fleet of ships
Capitán (Captain)
Commanding officer on a vessel
Comandante (Commander)
Captain of smaller vessels, usually
Teniente (Lieutenant)
Division or watch officer often working in the following positions - gunner, boatswain, purser, surgeon, carpenter, and master
Alférez (Ensign)
A junior officer, commissioned officer in charger of the ensign flag
Guardiamarina (Midshipman)
Aspiring seaman performing numerous duties in training to be a lieutenant
Brigada (Brigadier)
Essentially a petty officer, jobs on deck include assisting the warrant officers.
Marinero (Seaman)
Entry level sailor that conducts various simple and laborious tasks on the vessel
and responsibility of seaman aboard military vessels. Like other navies, they had officers, gunners, and sailors aboard their vessels.
Almirante General (Admiral)
Highest naval rank, though usually not at sea
Vicealmirante (Rear-Admiral)
Commander of a certain portion of the fleet out at sea
Contralmirante (Commodore)
Commanding officer of a small fleet of ships
Capitán (Captain)
Commanding officer on a vessel
Comandante (Commander)
Captain of smaller vessels, usually
Teniente (Lieutenant)
Division or watch officer often working in the following positions - gunner, boatswain, purser, surgeon, carpenter, and master
Alférez (Ensign)
A junior officer, commissioned officer in charger of the ensign flag
Guardiamarina (Midshipman)
Aspiring seaman performing numerous duties in training to be a lieutenant
Brigada (Brigadier)
Essentially a petty officer, jobs on deck include assisting the warrant officers.
Marinero (Seaman)
Entry level sailor that conducts various simple and laborious tasks on the vessel
La Royale (France)
The beginnings of La Royale can be traced back to the 1600's and became an instrument of national power. Though it was well financed and equipped to go up against the British and Dutch navies for the Nine Years War (late 1600s) the money quickly ran out afterward. Ships were forced back into port and France's enemies regained initiative and the British delivered several defeats to the French fleet in the coming century. France finds itself at the center of wars among Europe, literally with Spain to the south, the Dutch to the north, British to the North West, and the Holy Roman Empire to the East, and is involved in several wars during this century while trying to maintain territory in the homeland and the New World. Unlike Britain, France did not use prefixes on its naval vessels.
Like Britain, the French issued standard weapons to their soldiers and below are the images of the standard service flintlock, musket, and sword.
(Credit to the respective artists and photographers.)
Like Britain, the French issued standard weapons to their soldiers and below are the images of the standard service flintlock, musket, and sword.
(Credit to the respective artists and photographers.)
Pay Rates
Naval Vessels
The classification systems for French frigates changed three times during the 1700's but to make things simpler, the second one will be used because it was in place for about sixty years. Frigates were classified according to the weight of shots fired by their guns and the number of guns on the vessel, creating four types with various numbers of classes in each. Each class was named after the first model of the vessel and several classes were created, not all will be listed. Vessels with 25 - 30 cannons had just over 100 crewmen aboard. The French also used the term "ships-of-the-line" for larger vessels with more guns onboard and rated them based upon the number of guns. France made only a handful of first rate ships at this time so they won't be listed; literally four were made in the span of 60 years. They did use smaller vessels with mounted guns but finding a rating system or list of such vessels has proved difficult. Also, the French referred to a gundeck as a "battery".
Vaisseaux de 80
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 36, 24, and 8 pound cannons and a crew of about 700 men; several served as fleet flagships
Vaisseaux de 74
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 36, 18, and 8 pound cannons and a crew of about 600 men; served as the core of La Royale
Vaisseaux de 64
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 24, 12, and 6 pound cannons and a crew of about 500 men; served as the core of La Royale
Vaisseaux de 50
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 24, 12, and 6 pound cannons and a crew of about 450 men
Vaisseaux de 40
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 18 and 12 pounder cannons and a crew of about 300 men
Frégates Légères (6-pounders)
Gazelle Class: 18-gun design, single gundeck
Galathée Class: 24-gun design; single gundeck
Vénus Class: 26-gun design, 20 x 6-pounder guns and 6 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Frégates du Deuxième Ordre (8-pounders)
Flore Class: 26-gun design, 4 x 8-pounder guns and 22 x 6-pounder guns; single deck
Emeraude Class: 28-gun design, 24 x 8-pounder guns and 4 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Comète Class: 30-gun design, 26 x 8 pounder guns and 4 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Embuscade Class: 38-gun design, 26 x 8 pounder guns and 12 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Frégates du Premier Ordre (12-pounders)
Infidèle Class: 32-gun design, 26 x 12 pounder guns and 6 x 6 pounder guns; single deck
Indiscrète Class: 34-gun design, 28 x 12 pounder guns and 6 x 6 pounder guns; single deck
Pourvoyeuse Class: 38-gun design, 26 x 24 pounder gun and 12 x 8 pounder guns; single deck
(Below is a gallery displaying different French vessels. Credit to the respective artists and photographers.)
Vaisseaux de 80
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 36, 24, and 8 pound cannons and a crew of about 700 men; several served as fleet flagships
Vaisseaux de 74
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 36, 18, and 8 pound cannons and a crew of about 600 men; served as the core of La Royale
Vaisseaux de 64
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 24, 12, and 6 pound cannons and a crew of about 500 men; served as the core of La Royale
Vaisseaux de 50
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 24, 12, and 6 pound cannons and a crew of about 450 men
Vaisseaux de 40
Ships of the line made with two batteries using 18 and 12 pounder cannons and a crew of about 300 men
Frégates Légères (6-pounders)
Gazelle Class: 18-gun design, single gundeck
Galathée Class: 24-gun design; single gundeck
Vénus Class: 26-gun design, 20 x 6-pounder guns and 6 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Frégates du Deuxième Ordre (8-pounders)
Flore Class: 26-gun design, 4 x 8-pounder guns and 22 x 6-pounder guns; single deck
Emeraude Class: 28-gun design, 24 x 8-pounder guns and 4 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Comète Class: 30-gun design, 26 x 8 pounder guns and 4 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Embuscade Class: 38-gun design, 26 x 8 pounder guns and 12 x 4 pounder guns; single deck
Frégates du Premier Ordre (12-pounders)
Infidèle Class: 32-gun design, 26 x 12 pounder guns and 6 x 6 pounder guns; single deck
Indiscrète Class: 34-gun design, 28 x 12 pounder guns and 6 x 6 pounder guns; single deck
Pourvoyeuse Class: 38-gun design, 26 x 24 pounder gun and 12 x 8 pounder guns; single deck
(Below is a gallery displaying different French vessels. Credit to the respective artists and photographers.)
Naval Ranks
La Royale used a similar military ranking system as other countries of this time, though I am unable to find anything dictating the positions
and responsibility of seaman aboard military vessels. Like other navies, they had officers, gunners, and sailors aboard their vessels.
Great Officers
Amiral de France: simply an honorific title
Officiers Généraux (Flag Officers)
Vice-amiral de France: responsible for defending the coasts, maintaining, arming, equipping, and supplying ships, giving letters of marque to
corsairs, and assembling merchant ships into the navy during wartime
Amiral: responsible for commanding fleets at sea
Officiers Supérieurs (Senior Officers)
Commandant: commander of a small fleet
Capitaine: commanding officer of a vessel
Officiers Subalternes (Junior Officers)
Lieutenant: second in command on the vessel, below the captain
Enseigne: commission officers responsible for the ensign flag
Aspirant: seaman working various jobs in training to be lieutenants
Officiers Mariniers (Petty Officers)
Maître: responsible for the ships navigation and maintenance of nautical charts and maps; steer the ship and apply helm orders
Major: assistants to the junior officers aboard the vessel
Matelot: entry level seaman that conducts various simple and laborious tasks
and responsibility of seaman aboard military vessels. Like other navies, they had officers, gunners, and sailors aboard their vessels.
Great Officers
Amiral de France: simply an honorific title
Officiers Généraux (Flag Officers)
Vice-amiral de France: responsible for defending the coasts, maintaining, arming, equipping, and supplying ships, giving letters of marque to
corsairs, and assembling merchant ships into the navy during wartime
Amiral: responsible for commanding fleets at sea
Officiers Supérieurs (Senior Officers)
Commandant: commander of a small fleet
Capitaine: commanding officer of a vessel
Officiers Subalternes (Junior Officers)
Lieutenant: second in command on the vessel, below the captain
Enseigne: commission officers responsible for the ensign flag
Aspirant: seaman working various jobs in training to be lieutenants
Officiers Mariniers (Petty Officers)
Maître: responsible for the ships navigation and maintenance of nautical charts and maps; steer the ship and apply helm orders
Major: assistants to the junior officers aboard the vessel
Matelot: entry level seaman that conducts various simple and laborious tasks
Royal Navy (Britain)
The kingdom of Great Britain came into being in 1707 after the Scottish and English parliaments ratified the Treaty of Union. After the merging of both countries a religious battle broke out between Protestants and Catholics due to the noble families. Nearly a hundred years prior, England, Scotland and Ireland were united under one ruler who inherited the crowns of two countries while rightfully ruling the third. The three countries remained relatively independent politically, legally, and religiously, though wars between them still occurred. It is the result of these wars that caused the religious battle between the Protestants and Catholics.
The British Army was seen as disciplined, regimented, and harsh but many men volunteered to escape the bleak conditions of city life for a chance to travel and earn a regular wage. There were even part-time soldiers, termed as volunteers, that lived a looser life with the militia for economic purposes rather than patriotic. Tradesmen made good profits selling to soldiers and salters became camp followers during campaigns. The position of an officers was purchased at £450 and seen as "proof of gentlemanly status" and commanded a certain respect. Many officers came from the militia and few were gentlemen volunteers or noblemen. Camp was set up by the regiment in very simplistic terms and only basic nessesities were taken. A regiment was comprised of ten companies of 79 men with camp equipment that included 160 tents, 169 kettles, 160 hand hatches, 12 bell tents, 12 camp colors, 20 drum cases, 10 powder bags, 792 water flasks, 792 haversacks and 792 knapsacks. Personal space was limited there was a common sense of camaraderie between the soldiers. When not on the battlefield, they settled in barracks. Soldiers were disciplined and punished for certain behaviors and should a court be needed a military lawyer and panel of officers was used. General crimes were drunkenness, theft, and general misbehavior. Punishments included running the gauntlet, by which the man was flogged by his regiment while running between two lines of soldiers, picquetting, which forces the man to stand on a tent peg without shoes for a period of time, and increased hours of work or laborious tasks. Those who deserted their post were branded with a capital D on the back of the right hand but still allowed back for continued service; repeat offenders faced execution. Those who followed the regiment as they traveled were generally artisans who could sell their goods or the families and wives of the soldiers. They were subject to the same rules as the soldiers and only 6 women were allowed per 100 men.
The British Royal Navy offered a slightly more comfortable experience, with the constant lodging aboard a ship and nearly endless supply of liquor. Unlike the Army, social divisions of the Navy were not class based. Not all officers were gentlemen, some rose through the ranks from humble origins. Formal examinations in all aspects of seamanship were given and a service of at least six years was required before they could be commissioned as lieutenant. Further promotion was through merit, bravery or patronage though promotion to Admiral was through seniority. Ships, though part of fleets, generally moved alone or in small groups patrolling their waters, visiting port towns to resupply, recruit, and maintain the ship and crew. The ship was crewed in shifts of eight hours usually, though some captains extended the hours, and there was always a night watch as the ship sailed non-stop until port. The ship was headed by a Captain, or a Commander, with Lieutenants and warrant officers below, midshipmen and apprentices, and seamen as well as young boys. It wasn't until a boy was 16 that he was finally considered a seaman and able to earn ranks. Ships had sailors, gunners, and officers; which is why crews were so large, a section of the crew needed to control the sails and rudder even during battle. The young boys on the ship were as young as ten and served as cabin boys, running various errands on the ship and working as powder monkeys for gunners. Despite the superstition, Royal Navy vessels allowed women on board as passengers; commonly the wives of seaman who looked after the cabin boys while at sea, aided the surgeon, and handling cargo.
Given the amount of space and necessities available, I don't think every man's wife was aboard the ship. Most likely it went by rank or favor
of the Captain as to which women were allowed aboard. I do know that some cabin boys were the sons of serving seamen.
At this point in history, Britain currently has the largest navy but not the strongest; the Dutch Navy is above them in power. Though, England had the most ships of the line in the water over any Navy of this time. In their fleets, ships of the line outnumbered the amount of frigates. Britain began exploring the Caribbean in the 1300's and in the late 1600's took several islands from the Spanish, including Jamaica. Standard weapons issued to men of the Royal Navy were the British Sea Service pistol, British Sea Service Pattern Musket, and a Boarding Cutlass. Other desired weapons could be purchased by soldiers.
(Below are images of the three above weapons. Credit to the respective photographers.)
The British Army was seen as disciplined, regimented, and harsh but many men volunteered to escape the bleak conditions of city life for a chance to travel and earn a regular wage. There were even part-time soldiers, termed as volunteers, that lived a looser life with the militia for economic purposes rather than patriotic. Tradesmen made good profits selling to soldiers and salters became camp followers during campaigns. The position of an officers was purchased at £450 and seen as "proof of gentlemanly status" and commanded a certain respect. Many officers came from the militia and few were gentlemen volunteers or noblemen. Camp was set up by the regiment in very simplistic terms and only basic nessesities were taken. A regiment was comprised of ten companies of 79 men with camp equipment that included 160 tents, 169 kettles, 160 hand hatches, 12 bell tents, 12 camp colors, 20 drum cases, 10 powder bags, 792 water flasks, 792 haversacks and 792 knapsacks. Personal space was limited there was a common sense of camaraderie between the soldiers. When not on the battlefield, they settled in barracks. Soldiers were disciplined and punished for certain behaviors and should a court be needed a military lawyer and panel of officers was used. General crimes were drunkenness, theft, and general misbehavior. Punishments included running the gauntlet, by which the man was flogged by his regiment while running between two lines of soldiers, picquetting, which forces the man to stand on a tent peg without shoes for a period of time, and increased hours of work or laborious tasks. Those who deserted their post were branded with a capital D on the back of the right hand but still allowed back for continued service; repeat offenders faced execution. Those who followed the regiment as they traveled were generally artisans who could sell their goods or the families and wives of the soldiers. They were subject to the same rules as the soldiers and only 6 women were allowed per 100 men.
The British Royal Navy offered a slightly more comfortable experience, with the constant lodging aboard a ship and nearly endless supply of liquor. Unlike the Army, social divisions of the Navy were not class based. Not all officers were gentlemen, some rose through the ranks from humble origins. Formal examinations in all aspects of seamanship were given and a service of at least six years was required before they could be commissioned as lieutenant. Further promotion was through merit, bravery or patronage though promotion to Admiral was through seniority. Ships, though part of fleets, generally moved alone or in small groups patrolling their waters, visiting port towns to resupply, recruit, and maintain the ship and crew. The ship was crewed in shifts of eight hours usually, though some captains extended the hours, and there was always a night watch as the ship sailed non-stop until port. The ship was headed by a Captain, or a Commander, with Lieutenants and warrant officers below, midshipmen and apprentices, and seamen as well as young boys. It wasn't until a boy was 16 that he was finally considered a seaman and able to earn ranks. Ships had sailors, gunners, and officers; which is why crews were so large, a section of the crew needed to control the sails and rudder even during battle. The young boys on the ship were as young as ten and served as cabin boys, running various errands on the ship and working as powder monkeys for gunners. Despite the superstition, Royal Navy vessels allowed women on board as passengers; commonly the wives of seaman who looked after the cabin boys while at sea, aided the surgeon, and handling cargo.
Given the amount of space and necessities available, I don't think every man's wife was aboard the ship. Most likely it went by rank or favor
of the Captain as to which women were allowed aboard. I do know that some cabin boys were the sons of serving seamen.
At this point in history, Britain currently has the largest navy but not the strongest; the Dutch Navy is above them in power. Though, England had the most ships of the line in the water over any Navy of this time. In their fleets, ships of the line outnumbered the amount of frigates. Britain began exploring the Caribbean in the 1300's and in the late 1600's took several islands from the Spanish, including Jamaica. Standard weapons issued to men of the Royal Navy were the British Sea Service pistol, British Sea Service Pattern Musket, and a Boarding Cutlass. Other desired weapons could be purchased by soldiers.
(Below are images of the three above weapons. Credit to the respective photographers.)
Pay Rates
Daily Wages of British Seaman
£2 - Commodore
£1.19s. - Captain
£1.8s.6d - Master and Commander
£1.4s.6d - Lieutenant Commander
16s.6d - Lieutenant
7s.10d - Ensign
4s.8d - Midshipman
1s. - Senior Petty Officer
10d - Petty Officer
8d - Seaman
£2 - Commodore
£1.19s. - Captain
£1.8s.6d - Master and Commander
£1.4s.6d - Lieutenant Commander
16s.6d - Lieutenant
7s.10d - Ensign
4s.8d - Midshipman
1s. - Senior Petty Officer
10d - Petty Officer
8d - Seaman
Laws and Conducts
Britain considered their military one of gentlemen and they were held to a certain standard while in service. Offenses committed in or out of uniform were tried in Admirality Court using Articles of War and military laws and punishments. A common offense was conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline which is a catch-all to criminalize offences against military order. Based on reports found of historical cases, officers were punished for a variety of offenses, lying, selling goods illegally, cowardice in battle, desertion, neglect of duty, having two wives, and molesting a child. The decision of filing a charge with Admirality Court was up to the discretion of the commanding officer. Punishments varied depending on the offence: imprisonment, dismissal, flogging, keel-hauling, forfeiture of seniority, reduction of rank, a fine, service supervision, pay compensation for financial loss, or a hanging. The behaviors of soldiers were dictated by 36 Articles, most of which carried the penalty of a possible hanging.
Naval Vessels
The Royal Navy rates their vessels based on the number of cannons (guns) they carry aboard, though carronades were omitted, and there are six different levels. First, second, third, and fourth rate vessels were called "ship-of-the-line" and held multiple gun decks. Any vessel carrying less than twenty guns was unrated. This rating system uses several different type of vessels and rates them by their number of guns - so there will be different types of first rate ships and so on. The examples of ships that fit each rate will be listed. Generally, ships were run by Commodores or Captains but some vessels of the smaller, lower rated vessels were run by Master and Commanders.
First Rate
These ships had three continuous decks of guns, lower, middle, and upper, with smaller guns on the quarterdeck, forecastle, and the poopdeck.
They can carry between 100 - 120 guns across all decks and held a crew of around 850 men.
Ship types: Carracks, Galleons, Great Frigates, Galleons, Man-o-War, etc.
Second Rate
With three fully rigged sails, these vessels had three gundecks, lower, middle, and upper with smaller cannons on the quarterdeck, forecastle, and
poopdeck. They carried between 90 - 98 guns across three gundecks and supported a crew of about 750 men.
Ship Types: Carracks, Galleons, Great Frigates, Man-o-War, etc.
Third Rate
These vessels had either two or three gundecks with cannons on the quarterdeck, forecastle, and poopdeck. They carried between 64 - 80 guns
and supported a crew between 500 and 650 men depending on the number of guns.
Ship Types: Galleons, Great Frigates, Man-o-War, etc.
Fourth Rate
Smaller vessels with two gundecks capable of carrying 50 - 60 guns and supporting a crew of 320 or 420 men.
Ship Types: Great Frigates, Man-o-War, etc.
Fifth Rate
Smaller vessels, some with two gundecks, these carried between 32 - 44 guns aboard and a crew of 200 - 300 men. Some fifth rate ships had
three masts while others had two.
Ship Types: Frigates, Galleys, Great Frigates, etc.
Sixth Rate
Too small to be considered frigates, these vessels were generally used as convoy escorts, blockades, and carrying of dispatches. Some were titled
as Post ships, these vessels held one deck and between 20 - 24 cannons with a crew below 200.
Ship Types: Barques, Corvettes, Cutters, Pinnaces, Sloops-of-War, etc.
(Below is a small gallery of vessels that match these descriptions. Credit to all respective artists)
First Rate
These ships had three continuous decks of guns, lower, middle, and upper, with smaller guns on the quarterdeck, forecastle, and the poopdeck.
They can carry between 100 - 120 guns across all decks and held a crew of around 850 men.
Ship types: Carracks, Galleons, Great Frigates, Galleons, Man-o-War, etc.
Second Rate
With three fully rigged sails, these vessels had three gundecks, lower, middle, and upper with smaller cannons on the quarterdeck, forecastle, and
poopdeck. They carried between 90 - 98 guns across three gundecks and supported a crew of about 750 men.
Ship Types: Carracks, Galleons, Great Frigates, Man-o-War, etc.
Third Rate
These vessels had either two or three gundecks with cannons on the quarterdeck, forecastle, and poopdeck. They carried between 64 - 80 guns
and supported a crew between 500 and 650 men depending on the number of guns.
Ship Types: Galleons, Great Frigates, Man-o-War, etc.
Fourth Rate
Smaller vessels with two gundecks capable of carrying 50 - 60 guns and supporting a crew of 320 or 420 men.
Ship Types: Great Frigates, Man-o-War, etc.
Fifth Rate
Smaller vessels, some with two gundecks, these carried between 32 - 44 guns aboard and a crew of 200 - 300 men. Some fifth rate ships had
three masts while others had two.
Ship Types: Frigates, Galleys, Great Frigates, etc.
Sixth Rate
Too small to be considered frigates, these vessels were generally used as convoy escorts, blockades, and carrying of dispatches. Some were titled
as Post ships, these vessels held one deck and between 20 - 24 cannons with a crew below 200.
Ship Types: Barques, Corvettes, Cutters, Pinnaces, Sloops-of-War, etc.
(Below is a small gallery of vessels that match these descriptions. Credit to all respective artists)
Naval Ranks
The ranks and positions were intermixed between formal, informal, and positional titles. Uniforms played a major role in the shipboard hierarchy and generally marked a soldier of higher standing, even if not by rank. Ships were led by commissioned officers of the wardroom, a cabin for higher ranked officers, mainly Lieutenants and Lieutenant Commanders. There were essentially two hierarchies used, based on official ranks and useful ness aboard the ship. The Captain had his own cabin and his Lieutenants shared one with wooden cots and their own personnel galley. The higher ranked warrant officers: Sailing Master, Purser, Surgeon, and Chaplain weren't commissioned from the crown. The Warrant Officers were non-commissioned officers and though they held a higher place within the hierarchy, their command was limited to their assistants, called Mates. A Warrant Officer was ranked above a Petty Officer but below a Midshipman, though they are allowed access to mess and berth in the wardroom. The standing officers, Carpenter, Gunner, and Boatswain were next, and considered the most highly skilled seaman aboard. They messed and berthed with the crew and held a status separate from other officers, they weren't granted privileges of a commissioned or warrant officer. Petty Officers, especially midshipmen, were considered gentlemen and officers, they messed and berthed separate from seaman in the cockpit - located near the stern of a decked ship. Seamen and other Petty Officers slept on the gundecks and shared the galley.
Captain > Lieutenant Commander > Lieutenants > Warrant Officers: Sailing Master/Purser/Surgeon/Chaplain > Standing Officers:
Carpenter/Gunner/Boatswain > Midshipman > Lesser Warrant Officers: > Petty Officer > Seaman > Ship's Boy (cabin boy)
Flag rank officers
Admiral of the Fleet: highest naval rank, though usually not at sea
Admiral: commanding officer of a large fleet of ships
Commodore: commanding officer of a small fleet of ships
Commissioned Officers
Captain: commanding officer on the vessel
Master and Commander: captain of smaller fifth rate vessels, usually
Lieutenant Commander: executive officer, second-in-command, of the vessel
Lieutenant: division/watch officer
Warrant Officers
Boatswain: responsible for rigging, cables, anchors, sails, and the vessel itself; organized the labor on deck
Carpenter: responsible for repairs or provisions to the ship
Chaplain: religious figure only present on larger vessels
Gunner: maintaining guns and equipment, regular inspections of both
Master: responsible for safe and efficient operation (cargo, navigation, crew, etc.); highest ranking warrant officer
Purser: responsible for handling the money and supplies
Surgeon: responsible for hurt and sick and dispensed medicine; all logged for the Captain
Lesser Warrant Officers
Armourer: responsible for maintaining and repairing small arms
Caulker: responsible for sealing joints or seams and keeping the hull watertight
Cooper: responsible for crafting containers for cargo
Ropemaker: responsible for crafting, maintaining, and replacing ropes
Sailmaker: responsible for crafting, maintaining, and repairing the sails
These men were ranked as Senior Petty Officers
Senior Petty Officers
Mates: assistants to other officers such as Master, Surgeon, Armourer, Gunner, Boatswain, Caulker, Carpenter, Sailmaker, etc.
Midshipman: men aspiring to be lieutenants performing numerous duties
Petty Officers
Cook: responsible for meals aboard the ship; usually injured or retired seaman
Quartermaster: a helmsman that served watch at the ship's wheel
Riggers: responsible operating the sails monitoring the ropes of the rigging
Seamen
Able Seaman: maintenance of the ship's wooden decks, hull, and masts
Helmsman: required to maintain a steady course, execute rudder orders and communicate using navigational terms
Ordinary Seaman: responsible sweeping, washing, and painting the ship, securing cargo, launching and recovering longboats
Civilians
Cabin Boy: essentially a servant leaning the skills of officers
Clerk: responsible for organizing log books of other officers
Schoolmaster: responsible for instructing midshipmen; only present on larger ships
Captain > Lieutenant Commander > Lieutenants > Warrant Officers: Sailing Master/Purser/Surgeon/Chaplain > Standing Officers:
Carpenter/Gunner/Boatswain > Midshipman > Lesser Warrant Officers: > Petty Officer > Seaman > Ship's Boy (cabin boy)
Flag rank officers
Admiral of the Fleet: highest naval rank, though usually not at sea
Admiral: commanding officer of a large fleet of ships
Commodore: commanding officer of a small fleet of ships
Commissioned Officers
Captain: commanding officer on the vessel
Master and Commander: captain of smaller fifth rate vessels, usually
Lieutenant Commander: executive officer, second-in-command, of the vessel
Lieutenant: division/watch officer
Warrant Officers
Boatswain: responsible for rigging, cables, anchors, sails, and the vessel itself; organized the labor on deck
Carpenter: responsible for repairs or provisions to the ship
Chaplain: religious figure only present on larger vessels
Gunner: maintaining guns and equipment, regular inspections of both
Master: responsible for safe and efficient operation (cargo, navigation, crew, etc.); highest ranking warrant officer
Purser: responsible for handling the money and supplies
Surgeon: responsible for hurt and sick and dispensed medicine; all logged for the Captain
Lesser Warrant Officers
Armourer: responsible for maintaining and repairing small arms
Caulker: responsible for sealing joints or seams and keeping the hull watertight
Cooper: responsible for crafting containers for cargo
Ropemaker: responsible for crafting, maintaining, and replacing ropes
Sailmaker: responsible for crafting, maintaining, and repairing the sails
These men were ranked as Senior Petty Officers
Senior Petty Officers
Mates: assistants to other officers such as Master, Surgeon, Armourer, Gunner, Boatswain, Caulker, Carpenter, Sailmaker, etc.
Midshipman: men aspiring to be lieutenants performing numerous duties
Petty Officers
Cook: responsible for meals aboard the ship; usually injured or retired seaman
Quartermaster: a helmsman that served watch at the ship's wheel
Riggers: responsible operating the sails monitoring the ropes of the rigging
Seamen
Able Seaman: maintenance of the ship's wooden decks, hull, and masts
Helmsman: required to maintain a steady course, execute rudder orders and communicate using navigational terms
Ordinary Seaman: responsible sweeping, washing, and painting the ship, securing cargo, launching and recovering longboats
Civilians
Cabin Boy: essentially a servant leaning the skills of officers
Clerk: responsible for organizing log books of other officers
Schoolmaster: responsible for instructing midshipmen; only present on larger ships