John Henry Martin

John Henry Martin was a Royal Navy officer who served during the American Revolutionary and French Revolutionary wars. In March 1776, Martin joined as an able seaman for James Cook's third expedition. He was promoted twice during the voyage, finishing as a lieutenant aboard . His rank was confirmed on his return to England, and in that capacity, he commanded the bomb vessel HMS Explosion at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

Early life and career Details from Martin's early life are obscure. The historian Peter Hore suggests Martin was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, possibly Manorbier, in around 1753.

Martin joined the Royal Navy in 1765, as a midshipman aboard the 8-gun HMS Peggy, At the beginning of 1767, Martin transferred to which was serving as a guardship at Sheerness under James Gambier. This appointment was short-lived however; when was recommissioned in 1767, following a refit at Portsmouth, Martin joined her for America. Towards the end of 1769, he joined the 10-gun sloop Bonetta. After 18 months aboard her, he began a short spell in where he was rated able seaman towards the end of his service, in 1772.

Command

On 17 February, Martin was given command HMS Xenophon in the North Sea. In November, his ship was requisitioned for the 1801 circumnavigation of Australia under Matthew Flinders, and he was transferred to the bomb ship, HMS Explosion. It was in Explosion that Martin served at the Battle of Copenhagen in April 1801 and the two-day bombardment of Boulogne in August.

Personal life

Martin married twice and had a son with his first wife in around 1806. Martin was survived by his second wife when he died in 1823.