Midshipman.

Repro ID: PW4970

Description: Midshipmen were usually the sons of wealthy or aristocratic families training to become commissioned officers. They usually joined the Navy at the age of 12 to 14 and can be easily identified by the white patch on the collar of their uniform which is still in use today. They were taught navigation, astronomy and trigonometry by the ship's schoolmaster as well as undertaking watches on deck when school hours were over.

Creator: Thomas Rowlandson [artist]; Merks [engraver]; R Ackermann [publisher]

Date: 15th Feb 1799

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London