Charles Bullen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Charles Bullen
Vice-Admiral Charles Bullen (A. Grant, 1849)
Born	10 September 1769 Newcastle, England
Died	28 February 1853 Shirley, England
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	Royal Navy
Years of service	1779 to 1853
Rank	Admiral
Battles/wars	French Revolutionary Wars • Glorious First of June Napoleonic Wars • Battle of Camperdown • Battle of Trafalgar
Awards	Lloyd's Patriotic Fund gold medal and sword Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order

Admiral Sir Charles Bullen (10 September 1769 – 2 July 1853) was a very skilled and successful naval officer. He served in the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. He became famous for his bravery in important battles like the Glorious First of June, the Battle of Camperdown, and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Early Life of Charles Bullen

Charles Bullen was born in Newcastle, England, in 1769. He spent most of his early childhood in Weymouth, Dorset. His father, John Bullen, was also in the Royal Navy and worked as a Surgeon General. Charles's mother, Ruth, was a cousin of Lord Eldon, a very important government official.

Charles joined the navy when he was only ten years old. He started as a volunteer aboard the ship HMS Europe.

A Life at Sea: Charles Bullen's Naval Career

First Battles: American Revolutionary War

When Charles's father became Surgeon-General in North America in 1779, young Charles went with him. They sailed on HMS Europe to New York City. Charles later moved to HM Sloop Loyalist. He helped capture Charleston, South Carolina in 1780.

He also spent time on HMS Renown. After returning to Loyalist, he was promoted to Able Seaman and then Midshipman. Charles returned to England in 1781.

A Short Break and New Beginnings

Charles stayed on land until 1786 to finish his schooling. At 17, he joined HMS Culloden, a 74-gun ship in the English Channel. He served there for two years. In 1789, he joined HMS Leander and served in the Mediterranean.

He was promoted to acting lieutenant in 1791. Later that year, he returned to England and married his cousin, Miss Wood.

Fighting for Freedom: French Revolutionary War

When war with France began, Bullen returned to HMS Culloden. They sailed to the West Indies but their invasion of Martinique failed. In 1794, Bullen joined HMS Ramillies. He fought in the Atlantic campaign of May 1794 and the famous Glorious First of June battle.

He continued to serve in the West Indies and Newfoundland. Later, he joined the North Sea Fleet under Admiral Duncan.

Facing a Mutiny: A Test of Courage

In 1797, Bullen became first lieutenant on HMS Monmouth. He became good friends with his commanding officer, William Carnegie, 7th Earl of Northesk. During the Nore mutiny, when some sailors rebelled on the Monmouth, Bullen showed great courage. He drew a line on the deck and threatened to shoot anyone who crossed it.

His quick actions likely saved the lives of his fellow officers. After the mutiny ended, Bullen stayed on board under a new captain, James Walker. The crew of the Monmouth fought extra hard in the next battle to prove their loyalty.

Hero at Camperdown: A Daring Rescue

The Battle of Camperdown happened on October 11, 1797. Captain Walker told his crew, "My lads, you see your enemy; I'll lay you close aboard and give you an opportunity of washing the stain off your characters in the blood of your foes. Now go to your quarters and do your duty."

The Monmouth fought two Dutch ships, Alkmaar and Delft, and captured both. Bullen was put in charge of the Delft, which was badly damaged and sinking. Many of her crew were killed or injured. A storm hit on November 14, making things worse. The Delft was sinking fast.

Bullen helped evacuate the wounded sailors. When the Delft suddenly sank, Bullen jumped into the sea and was rescued. He was praised for his brave actions and for helping the survivors. For his bravery, Bullen was promoted to commander. He then spent three and a half years at home with his family.

Back to Action: New Commands

In 1801, Bullen was sent to Sierra Leone on HMS Wasp. He helped protect British trade interests there. He was rewarded with a promotion to post captain and returned to England in 1802.

When war with France started again, Bullen temporarily commanded HMS Minerve. He patrolled near Cherbourg and captured many enemy merchant ships. He also commanded the Plymouth division of Sea Fencibles, helping to defend England from a possible invasion.

In 1804, Bullen became flag captain for Lord Northesk on the flagship HMS Britannia. They joined Nelson's fleet off Cadiz.

Trafalgar: A Famous Victory

On August 30, 1805, the Britannia joined the blockade of the French and Spanish fleet. This meant she was present for the famous Battle of Trafalgar on October 21. During the battle, the Britannia was one of the slower ships. Bullen and Lord Northesk had a disagreement about orders, but Bullen kept the ship moving fast.

The Britannia attacked three enemy ships, including the huge 130-gun Santissima Trinidad. After the battle, Britannia was not badly damaged. She helped other ships that were more seriously hurt in the storm that followed. Bullen brought three captured ships back to England. He received prize money and a gold medal and sword for his bravery at Trafalgar.

Mediterranean Adventures

In 1807, Bullen was appointed to the frigate HMS Volontaire. For three years, he helped blockade Toulon and operated along the French and Spanish coasts. He even helped transport French royalty.

When Spain declared war on France in 1808, Bullen went on an overland trip to buy weapons for the Spanish rebels. In 1809, he led raids along the French coast, capturing an island and destroying a fort. He also helped capture several enemy merchant ships and their escorts.

In 1811, Bullen took command of HMS Cambrian. He continued to support the Spanish, destroying shore batteries and capturing more merchant vessels. He also helped defend Tarragona during a siege, even risking his ship to fire on the enemy. Later, while fighting on land, he was badly wounded. Bullen returned to England due to his injuries.

Later Years and Achievements

Bullen did not go to sea again until 1814. He was appointed to HMS Akbar and helped supervise naval supplies in Antwerp. In 1815, he was honored with the Order of the Bath for his services.

After almost seven years ashore, Bullen returned to duty in 1823. He became a commodore on the west coast of Africa. He supported operations during the First Ashanti War. He also played a big part in anti-slave trade operations, helping to free almost 10,000 people who were going to be enslaved.

In 1830, he became a Commissioner of the Navy. He was given command of the Royal Yacht Royal Sovereign. In 1835, Bullen was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order and was knighted. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1837, and then to vice admiral in 1846. In 1852, he became a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and a full admiral.

Admiral Charles Bullen passed away at the age of 84 on July 2, 1853. He was the last surviving captain from the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar.