Marked for Misfortune

Publisher: Conway Maritime Press, 2003 £ 14.99

A meticulously researched and fascinating insight into the loss of the 800 Ton East India Company's ship Winterton off Madagascar in August 1792, with nearly 300 passengers and crew aboard, to say nothing of cargo valued at £100,000. Not only has Jean Hood given us some remarkable background into the operation of the Honourable East India Company's trading activities at the time when it was the most powerful commercial undertaking the world had ever seen, but chronicles in enthralling detail the adventures of the ship's extremely resourceful Third Officer John Dale, in bringing help to the survivors.

She recounts his voyage in the only remaining ship's boat from Madagascar to Mozambique, then under nominal Portuguese control, and his exhausting overland trek Northwards along the African coast to seek to bring help to the survivors which included several ladies, marooned on Madagascar, under protection of the local King. Having finally successfully effected their rescue, he was captured by the French first on his way to India and then again when on passage back to England and nearly home. He finally got back via America nearly two years after the loss of the Winterton, to be presented with the sum of 200 guineas for his efforts by a grateful HEIC, a very substantial thanks indeed, especially when compared with his monthly salary of £3.

We are also told how he finally rose to the command of an HIEC ship and died and was buried near Newbury at the age of 57.

An extremely well told factual account, which would not have been out of place had it been recalled in a Hornblower novel. -  R.W.F

"© Cruising Association [2000] All rights reserved.
Use of this site is subject to our Terms and Conditions."

Page created 15 November 2003