1788

WATKIN TENCH was born in Chester, England, in 1758. His father was a dance teacher and the master of a boarding school.
In 1776 Tench entered the marine corps. He served in the American War of Independence, during which he was taken hostage for three months. He was soon promoted to captain lieutenant. In 1786 Tench volunteered for a three-year tour of duty to the convict colony of Botany Bay.