John Fryer RN (15 August 1753 – 26 May 1817) was the sailing master on the HMS Bounty, a British vessel made famous by the Mutiny on the Bounty. He had the interesting position of being a strong critic of both Captain William Bligh and mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, Despite his anger at Bligh, he did not support the mutiny.[1]
John Fryer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 15 August 1753 Wells, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 26 May 1817 (aged 63) Wells, Norfolk, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Navy |
| Service years | 1781–1812 |
| Rank | Sailing master |
| Notable event | Mutiny on the Bounty |
| Awards | None |
Fryer was born at Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk.[2] After his naval service, he returned to Wells, and his grave in the churchyard is now clearly identified. In 1787, Fryer was appointed master of HMS Bounty,[3] with Fletcher Christian serving as master's mate. On 10 January 1788, Bligh put his crew on three watches, giving one of them to Christian, and on 2 March, promoted Christian to acting lieutenant. Some have speculated that this was the source of the ill-will that later developed between Fryer and Bligh. However, as a master, Fryer would never have been promoted to lieutenant at sea. Indeed, he never did become a lieutenant.[4]
Fryer remained loyal, and accompanied Bligh in reaching Timor. Bligh's account of the mutiny vilified Fryer, but Fryer gave fair evidence at Bligh's court-martial. Edward Christian, Fletcher's brother, was assisted by Fryer in publishing a counterweight to Bligh's version. Fryer never received promotion, but served in the Royal Navy until 1812.[5] After his naval service, he returned to Wells.[6]
References
change- ↑ "Testimony of John Fryer (9/12/1792)". famous-trials.com. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ↑ "John Fryer (1753-1817) - Find a Grave Memorial". www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ↑ "The Company of the Bounty and Their Various Fates". law2.umkc.edu. Archived from the original on 16 February 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ↑ "John Fryer of the Bounty". whalesite.org. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ↑ "Navy List". Archived from the original on 16 May 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
- ↑ "John Fryer - Wells-next-the-Sea: St Nicholas - A Church Near You". www.achurchnearyou.com. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
This short article about a person or group of people can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.