The Commission of Sick and Wounded and Prisoners, 1664–1667

Abstract

The first commission appointed to oversee and organise the treatment of sick and wounded naval seamen and prisoners-of-war was appointed in 1653. With the imminent outbreak of war with the United Provinces in 1664 four new commissioners were appointed. Although well-intentioned the new commission was never able to fulfil its role adequately, with money being the root cause of the problem. The Treasury was never able to supply sufficient funding to meet the demands, which were compounded by the spread of the Great Plague, and significant numbers of seafarers died through neglect.

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Filed under: Dutch Wars | Health at Sea | Other (location)
Subjects include: Administration | Manpower & Life at Sea