Signal flag arrangement by Robert O Leach while on board HMS GLADIATOR

Author Robert Owen Leach (British, 1832 - 1920)

Date1846-1848

Object number00044905

NameDrawing

MediumPencil and ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 320 x 402 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis drawing represents a signal flag arrangement and was made by Cadet Robert O Leach on board HMS GLADIATOR. The loose sheet was found inside Leach's workbook containing mathematical and navigational notes he compiled on the ship. The flags have been depicted in colour and along the edge of the drawing calculations have been written in pencil.HistoryRobert O Leach, a Cadet, Midshipman & Lieutenant in the British Royal Navy wrote three manuscript journals which contain a series of logs detailing his life at sea from 17 February 1846 to 31 March 1861. SignificanceThis drawing provides an insight into the study required of a cadet in the Royal Navy in the 19th century.