Wager Mutiny - Commodore Anson's Squadron

Commodore Anson's Squadron

The total squadron consisted of some 1,980 men (crew plus infantry), of which only 188 would survive a voyage which was to prove one of the most terrifying, challenging, heroic and adventurous circumnavigations of the globe ever completed. The squadron, including Wager, consisted of six warships and two victuallers (supply ships):

• Centurion, the flagship (a fourth-rate ship of 1,005 tons, 60 guns and 400 men)
• Gloucester (866 tons, 50 guns, 300 men)
• Severn (683 tons, 50 guns, 300 men)
• Pearl (559 tons, 40 guns, 250 men)
• Wager (559 tons, 24 guns, 120 men)
• Tryal (201 tons, 8 guns, 70 men)

The two merchant vessels which also sailed carrying additional stores were Anna, (400 tons, 16-men) and Industry (200 tons). The squadron also comprised an additional 470 invalids and wounded soldiers from Chelsea hospital, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Cracherode. Most of these men would be the first to die during the hardships of the voyage, their inclusion, instead of regular troops, was subsequently criticised as cruel and ineffective.