Naval Historians

[snowywhite]

Are there any Navy Historians out there. Im going around in circles and getting nowhere fast.
John George Sharplin b 1843 London. Now the service paperwork i have shows he enlisted 12th May 1871 for ten years, his occupation was ropemaker.

Now in the 1861 Census there is a AB seaman John Sharplin born around 1844 in London aged 17. His location was PORT ROYAL, JAMAICA aboard Hms Imaum.

1871 Census Shows John Sharplin born around 1844 aged 27 in London. Listed as a ropemaker. Location was BOMBAY HARBOUR aboard Hms Forte.

So i cannot find any service records for John Sharplin before 12th May 1871

[teasie]

This looks like him. I haven't downloaded but from what I can see on the preview (5 pages) its from 1861 onwards and includes the two ships you mention: https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ils/r/D7890665

EDIT: just zoomed in and the records actually go as far back as July 1859

[snowywhite]

Thanks Teasie, spot on with your assumption, much appreciated, i know he enlisted on his birthday 12th May