HMS Mosquito & HMS Egmont

[molyles@hotmail.com]

My ancestor was member of crew of both these ships in 1871 to 1881 according to those censuses. I wonder if anyone has any information on them - or photos would be great of course. 1881 census shows HMS Mosquito with an 'address' of 'Modeste'. Does anyone know what thismeans please?

[John Brown]

Molyles

Can't help much. There was a wooden screwed corvette called HMS Modeste around at the time but you probably already know that!

[stontamar]

HMS MOSQUITO Composite Screw Gunboat of the ARIEL Class built by Pembroke Dockyard and launched on 9 December 1871 and not completed until November 1873. She was sold in December 1888.

HMS MODESTE was a Wooden Screw Corvette of the AMETHST Class launched by Devonport Dockyard on 23 May 1873 after the keel was laid on 27 November 1871. She was sold to Castle to break up at Charlton 8 January 1888.

Have you tried to obtain a copy of your ancestors service record as this, and possibly other documents held by The National Archive, will give an accurate understanding of his service career? The service record should also indicate any link between HMS MOSQUITO and HMS MODESTE but the link may be a simple as that he was drafted to one of the ships, probably MODESTE, but was onboard MOSQUITO at the time the census was taken.

If you need any help please record your ancestors name and date and place of birth. If you have his service number this would also be useful.

Regards

stontamar

[stontamar]

Sorry missed HMS EGMONT. She was an ex 74 gun 3rd rate ship of the ARMADA Class that was launched in 1810 and converted into a storeship in December 1862 and then became a receiving ship at Rio de Janeiro in 1865. She was sold in January 1875.

My earlier comments regarding the 1881 census remain and I would be intereseted to learn of any additional connection you may make.

Regards

stontamar