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 John Ridge of the Kite
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| willoughr |
Posted on 13/04/2008 16:38
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 Member  Posts: 46 Joined: 03/05/2007 |
I am trying to find out any biographical or general career details on John Ridge, a 2nd Mate aboard the Kite revenue cutter. He won a RNLI silver medal in 1844, thus: On 2 November 1844, following a collision between a barque and a brig in Kingstown Harbour which led to both vessels going aground, a man fell overboard from the brig and another from the Kite jumped in after him. Both however were in danger, particularly with the heavy sea running. John Ridge took a line, jumped overboard from the Kite and succeeded in saving both men. The RNLI voted Ridge its silver medal on 18 December 1844. Can anybody help with further details on him or the incident? Cheers Roger Roger Willoughby
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| willoughr |
Posted on 06/12/2009 01:25
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Member Posts: 46 Joined: 03/05/2007 |
Anybody?
Roger Willoughby
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| crimea1854 |
Posted on 06/12/2009 07:51
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 Administrator  Posts: 906 Joined: 09/07/2007 |
Hi Roger Ridge joined Kite as Boatswain on 4 April 1838 from the RC Hornet, where he was rated Mar(iner). He was subsequently promoted to 2nd Mate on 9 April 1844, remaining on the same ship. This information was found in ADM 175/24 (pages 91 & 92 of 192). It is perhaps best if you consult this yourself, because I cannot make out when or why he left. These particular records only record perm. members of the senior crew, and not the ordinary mariners, so to trace his career back in the Hornet you would need to consult her Muster Book in ADM 119/58 at the National Archives. Regards Martin |
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| willoughr |
Posted on 06/12/2009 11:35
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Member Posts: 46 Joined: 03/05/2007 |
Good morning Martin. Thanks for these leads on Ridge, which I'll follow up next time I'm in the National Archives. By the way, was it common in the RCs to go from the ranks to an officer (2nd mate); also is this equivalent to the regular RN? Thanks Roger Roger Willoughby
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| crimea1854 |
Posted on 08/12/2009 07:56
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Administrator Posts: 906 Joined: 09/07/2007 |
Roger Because these were such small craft having rated RN personnel as subordinate officers was most probably considered unnecessary; this also offered a route to promotion within the Revenue Service. You should also not forget that it was not until 1856 that the CG service - including the Revenue Cruisers - came under direct Admiralty control. In later years CG rates were always subordinate to the same equivalent rate within the Royal Navy. Martin |
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