Captain Maurice Suckling

Captain Maurice Suckling (1726-88)

Maurice Suckling was in command of Dreadnought 60, in action off Cape François on October 21, 1757. It was Suckling that was responsible for Nelson's early training.

Young Nelson was entered on the books of the Raisonable commanded by his uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling. Suckling was transferred to the Nore guardship and arranged for his nephew to sail to the West Indies in a merchantman, gaining experience of seamanship and life at sea. Nelson came back with a respect for the ordinary seamen and some knowledge of the huge gap between seamen and their officers.

Nelson's seamanship training continued - learning to handle small boats in the confined and shoal waters of the Thames and Medway estuaries. Suckling used his influence to have Nelson appointed to the Carcass, sailing to explore the North West passage. Aged still only 14, Nelson honed his seamanship skills in piloting the ship through the ice.

Uncle Maurice Suckling became Comptroller of the Navy (chairman of the Navy Board) and his influence was able to speed young Nelson's career. After good reports from the Carcass, and with the support of his uncle, Nelson was appointed an Acting-Lieutenant and joined Worcester, a 64 gun ship patrolling the North Sea during the War of American Independence. Similarly Captain Maurice Suckling's nephew Lieutenant Maurice William Suckling (1761-1820) also served at some point with his uncle.

Experience followed experience and Nelson became a well regarded and competent sea officer. He passed his examinations for Lieutenant and was appointed Second Lieutenant in Lowestoffe. Suckling's influence continued until his death in 1778 and the following year Nelson was promoted post-Captain and given command of the Hinchingbroke. Admiral Hood now aided Nelson's career and selected the Albemarle under Nelson to take the young Prince William (who later became King William IV) to the West Indies.