Born in Dublin Ireland, Robert Meloy's family moved to England while he was still very young.
At age 10 he joined the British Royal Navy as a cabin boy. Over the year he learned much from
the officers he served and took their lessons to heart. Falling in love with the sea and learning
all that he could about sailing, Meloy quickly became one of the most competent young men
aboard the ship.
Times took a turn for the worst, however, during the breakout of the War of the Spanish
Succession in 1701. The years of the war were very hard on young Meloy but they were not
without their rewards. Quickly rising through the ranks he eventually found himself a Lieutenant
of a Naval Man of War. Sustaining only minor injuries but losing many a good friend, Lt. Meloy
fought bravely to the war's end in 1714.
After the war Meloy's hopes for his future were high. Now a proper Royal Navy Lieutenant,
and a war veteran, he felt his undying loyalty to the crown would be greatly rewarded. This was
not to be however as he, like many other Navy seamen after the war, was discharged. Being told
that "the navy no longer had need of his services" Robert felt betrayed and abandoned. Now
having nowhere to go, as his family had left England, he headed towards the only home he knew,
the sea. The docks were flooded with thousands of discharged sailors and finding a job was
close to impossible. After months of near starvation and perseverance Robert finally found
himself a job as a lowly crewman on a local merchant vessel named the Celestial Queen.
Feeling better, now being back on the sea and with food in his belly, Robert enjoyed his work
but missed the feeling of adventure the war had offered him... but this would not be for long.
Adventure, it seemed, caught up with him one day as the Celestial Queen was attacked by
pirates!
At age 10 he joined the British Royal Navy as a cabin boy. Over the year he learned much from
the officers he served and took their lessons to heart. Falling in love with the sea and learning
all that he could about sailing, Meloy quickly became one of the most competent young men
aboard the ship.
Times took a turn for the worst, however, during the breakout of the War of the Spanish
Succession in 1701. The years of the war were very hard on young Meloy but they were not
without their rewards. Quickly rising through the ranks he eventually found himself a Lieutenant
of a Naval Man of War. Sustaining only minor injuries but losing many a good friend, Lt. Meloy
fought bravely to the war's end in 1714.
After the war Meloy's hopes for his future were high. Now a proper Royal Navy Lieutenant,
and a war veteran, he felt his undying loyalty to the crown would be greatly rewarded. This was
not to be however as he, like many other Navy seamen after the war, was discharged. Being told
that "the navy no longer had need of his services" Robert felt betrayed and abandoned. Now
having nowhere to go, as his family had left England, he headed towards the only home he knew,
the sea. The docks were flooded with thousands of discharged sailors and finding a job was
close to impossible. After months of near starvation and perseverance Robert finally found
himself a job as a lowly crewman on a local merchant vessel named the Celestial Queen.
Feeling better, now being back on the sea and with food in his belly, Robert enjoyed his work
but missed the feeling of adventure the war had offered him... but this would not be for long.
Adventure, it seemed, caught up with him one day as the Celestial Queen was attacked by
pirates!
Name:
- Robert Meloy
- Crewman
- David Milk
It took mere seconds for Robert's fighting experience to kick in.
Defending the mast valiantly, and striking down many an enemy, he
eventually found himself the last man alive of his crew. Impressed
with his skills the pirates captured Robert alive and brought him
before the captain. Hearing the story from his crew the captain was
quite impressed. Turning to Robert the captain said; "Pleased I am
to initiate you into our enterprising company. Which entitles you to
all the benefits there of. I suggest you take this offer, for if ye say
'no'... yer dead!"
After a moments thought Robert happily agreed. Figuring this was
the adventure he had been waiting for that would properly utilize his
skills. Right he was! After years of strict rules and regulations the
Navy offered, Meloy felt freedom for the first time in his life.
Sailing where the wind took them, attacking any vessels that came
into view, and enjoying the spoils of battle! Truly it was the pirates
life for him!
Defending the mast valiantly, and striking down many an enemy, he
eventually found himself the last man alive of his crew. Impressed
with his skills the pirates captured Robert alive and brought him
before the captain. Hearing the story from his crew the captain was
quite impressed. Turning to Robert the captain said; "Pleased I am
to initiate you into our enterprising company. Which entitles you to
all the benefits there of. I suggest you take this offer, for if ye say
'no'... yer dead!"
After a moments thought Robert happily agreed. Figuring this was
the adventure he had been waiting for that would properly utilize his
skills. Right he was! After years of strict rules and regulations the
Navy offered, Meloy felt freedom for the first time in his life.
Sailing where the wind took them, attacking any vessels that came
into view, and enjoying the spoils of battle! Truly it was the pirates
life for him!
Meloy loved piracy, especially the rich items he obtained. Surrounding himself with the finest
of cloths, the finest tobacco, and a mysterious mug adorned with an Aztec Calendar.
These days Meloy can be seen in the company of Captain Jack Sparrow. How the two met
is still the stuff of myths but some believe that Meloy was aboard the Rum Runners' ship that
rescued Sparrow from a marooning... if you believe such things.
of cloths, the finest tobacco, and a mysterious mug adorned with an Aztec Calendar.
These days Meloy can be seen in the company of Captain Jack Sparrow. How the two met
is still the stuff of myths but some believe that Meloy was aboard the Rum Runners' ship that
rescued Sparrow from a marooning... if you believe such things.
| If you would like to send a message to Robert Meloy e-mail him at: RobertMeloy@lakeeriepirates.com |
Pirate History:
Press: To forcibly recruit men for the Royal Navy by the "press gang", often from taverns in British docklands. They were "impressed", or "pressed into
service." The press gang was often led by an officer. Most pirates were former Royal Navy or merchant seamen, attracted by a far better life than the one they
had been pressed into joining.
Copyright © 2006-2008 Lake Erie Pirates Costume Organization™
Press: To forcibly recruit men for the Royal Navy by the "press gang", often from taverns in British docklands. They were "impressed", or "pressed into
service." The press gang was often led by an officer. Most pirates were former Royal Navy or merchant seamen, attracted by a far better life than the one they
had been pressed into joining.
Copyright © 2006-2008 Lake Erie Pirates Costume Organization™
| Robert Meloy |
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