These lists actually show those that had died, run or been discharged within the relevant year. Until 1805 these are compiled chronologically, covering officers, petty officers and the people, giving the date, quality (rank or rate) and vessel serving on, as well as to the nature of leaving the service. From 1805 to 1812 they are in alphabetical order; then degenerates into no particular order; before being shown in categories as of 1821 (and partially chronologically).

A notation at the front of this volume indicates that returns for 1779, 1780, 1782, 1783, 1785, 1786, 1790, 1791 and 1795 are missing. There are also other years subsequently that are missing.

This is one of two volumes relating to this subject covering 1824 to 1834, as monthly returns. For officers there is far less info, basically identifying them and giving the briefest detail. For petty officers and the people there is far more:-

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Examples from the list for August 1824:-

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