1797
June 1st. Mutiny on board the North Sea Fleet at Yarmouth, and several sail of the line hoisted the red flag of defiance.
Sept. 18th. Admiral Duncan assumed the command of the North Sea Fleet in the Roadstead, vice Admiral Macbride.
Oct. 3rd. Admiral Duncan put into Yarmouth Roads, and six days afterwards went in search of the Dutch fleet, which was totally defeated (Oct. 11th) off Camperdown. The British fleet returned in triumph to Yarmouth Roads, bringing seven sail of the line as prizes. The wounded men were landed and conveyed to the Barracks and to Norwich—there being no Naval Hospital. Yarmouth for several days was thronged with visitors to see the victorious British fleet and their prizes. A subscription was raised on behalf of the wounded.
A high tide nearly demolished the Bath House.
Somerset Militia quartered in the town.
Captain Rysoort, of the “Hercules” (one of Admiral Duncan’s prizes), died in Yarmouth, and was buried with military honours.
A boat on the river Breydon upset, and six out of seven youths drowned.
Freedom of the town presented to Lord Duncan and Sir Richard Onslow for their victories over the Dutch fleet; also to Earl St. Vincent for the victory over the Spanish fleet on the 14th of February.
Mutiny broke out at the Nore, and extended itself to the vessels in Yarmouth Roads, but was quickly suppressed.