John Fryer 15 August 1753-1817 was the Sailing Master

On the HMAV Bounty a British vessel made famous

By the film Mutiny on the Bounty

He had the interesting position of being a strong critic

Of both Captain William Bligh and mutiny leader

Fletcher Christian even at one time of accusing Bligh

Of Favoring Fletcher Christian

Despite his anger at Bligh he did not support the Mutiny

Fryer was born at wells next to the sea Norfolk

After his Navel service he returned to Wells his grave

in the churchyard is clearly identified.

In 1787 John Fryer was appointed Master of

HMAV Bounty with Fletcher Christian as Masters Mate

The Bounty’s Captain William Bligh on the 10 January

1788 put his crew on 3 watches giving one of them to

Fletcher Christian and on the 2 March promoted Christian

to acting Lieutenant some say it was this lead to the

ill will that later developed between Fryer and Bligh.

Fryer remained loyal and accompanied Bligh in reaching

Timor . Bligh’s account of the mutiny vilified Fryer

But Fryer gave fair evidence at bligh’s court martial

Fryer never received promotion but remained in the

Navy until 1812.