Wittewronge Taylor

In 1734 he was borne on the books of HMS Blenheim, a harbour-ship, and his first seagoing experience would seem to have been in 1736 on board Windsor.

In August 1745 Davers gave him a commission as fifth lieutenant of HMS Cornwall (though the ship was only allowed four), and in November appointed him to command the Vainqueur tender.

A violent westerly gale drove them back; the ships were separated; the weather was thick and hazy, and the Ramillies was suddenly found in dangerous proximity to the Bolt Head.

She let go her anchors, which brought her up for the moment; but the storm was at its height, the cables parted, and the ship was hurled on the rocks.

Out of the crew of 734, twenty-five only and one midshipman, improbably said to have been William Falconer (1732–1769), author of The Shipwreck — whose name does not appear in the ship's paybook — were saved.