Extract from Naval General Service Medal Roll relating to Jane Townshend
It is known that women served in ships in the age of sail. However, they are rarely mentioned in the records. Here is evidence to the contrary. In 1847 Jane Townshend applied for the Naval General Service Medal for service at Trafalgar. Her application, based on her, ‘useful services’ in HMS Defiance at the Battle of Trafalgar, was supported by the ship’s captain but eventually the application was rejected.
