J. Sidney Willis Hodges (1829-1900), Lord Hood of Avalon as a midshipman with Bombay beyond
The [19th] century saw significant changes in the social ‘quality’ of officer aspirants. Most striking in the 1801 data was the sharp decline in the relative importance of naval influence and the general rise in the importance of elite social influence within both groups of young gentleman. […]
Thomas Byam Martin recalled the presence of a frigate on the West Indies station 'so crowded with the bantlings of the aristocracy’ that one of the ship’s lieutenants was prompted to deliver an order 'to the young gentlemen and honourables stationed at the different ropes: “My Lords and gentlemen, shiver the main topsail”’.
— S.A. Cavell, Midshipmen and Quarterdeck Boys in the British Navy, 1771–1831
The Royal Navy officer and novelist Captain Frederick Marryat (1792-1848) was part of the post-Trafalgar generation of sea officers, joining the service in 1806 (thanks to the connections of his father). The character of an older lieutenant, Mr. Sawbridge, in his novel Mr. Midshipman Easy has some acerbic thoughts about socially elite mishipmen:
He was a little soured in the service, and certainly had an aversion to the young men of family who were now fast crowding into it — and with some grounds, as he perceived his own chance of promotion decrease in the same ratio as the numbers increased. He considered that in proportion as midshipmen assumed a cleaner and more gentlemanly appearance, so did they become more useless
Midshipman James Ward, portrait c. 1776-1780, attributed to the artist John Webber. The white patches of a midshipman’s rank are visible on his collar.
The midshipman had in fact become the embryo officer. His position as such was given stress when uniform was first introduced for the military officers in 1748 and he was included. “Persons acting as Midshipmen”, said the order, “should likewise have a uniform cloathing in order to distinguish their Class to be in the Rank of Gentlemen.”
The white patch or “turnback” on the midshipman’s collar appears to have been introduced at this time; certainly the regulations in 1787 mention “a stand up collar with small white turn back as before”. The patch was known to generations as a midshipman’s “weekly account”, and by the midshipmen themselves as “the mark of the beast.”
—Snotty: The Story of the Midshipman, by Commander Geoffrey Penn R.N.
Midshipmen took a full part in the watch system of the ship. According to Basil Hall, ‘These young gentlemen are divided into three watches, and the individuals of each part are stationed on different parts of the deck. The mate of the watch, who is the principal person amongst them, with two or three youngsters, walks on the quarterdeck … Another midshipman, generally the second in seniority, has the honour of being posted on the forecastle; while a third, stationed abaft, walks on the poop.’ As a seaman, Robert Wilson saw midshipmen differently. ‘Their duty in watches is to call the officer of the next watch, to heave the log and mark the log board, and many other things as required.’ During tacking ship, ‘The midshipmen stand on each other’s toes on the quarterdeck, except one or two who are on the forecastle.’ Another was in charge of signals. However, at other times a midshipman’s life was more exciting. He often had command of one of the ship’s boats, and might even be allowed to take command of a prize, and navigate into port.
— Brian Lavery, Nelson’s Navy: The Ships, Men and Organisation, 1793 - 1815
‘Lieutenant Blockhead keeping the Morning Watch’, drawn by Captain Frederick Marryat, 1820. Two midshipmen with white collar patches and round hats stand at top left.
Midshipman James Ward, portrait c. 1776-1780, attributed to the artist John Webber. The white patches of a midshipman’s rank are visible on his collar.
The midshipman had in fact become the embryo officer. His position as such was given stress when uniform was first introduced for the military officers in 1748 and he was included. “Persons acting as Midshipmen”, said the order, “should likewise have a uniform cloathing in order to distinguish their Class to be in the Rank of Gentlemen.”
The white patch or “turnback” on the midshipman’s collar appears to have been introduced at this time; certainly the regulations in 1787 mention “a stand up collar with small white turn back as before”. The patch was known to generations as a midshipman’s “weekly account”, and by the midshipmen themselves as “the mark of the beast.”
—Snotty: The Story of the Midshipman, by Commander Geoffrey Penn R.N.
