James Cook - Part 1 - Early years, war and surveyor
The Explorers Podcast
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James Cook's Journey to the Royal Navy
In 1755, James Cook was offered a command of his own ship by the Walker brothers. He turned it down and instead enlisted in the Royal Navy as a basic seaman. The war between England and France didn't officially get declared until 1756 but both countries were getting into action even before then. Over the next couple of years, Cook would rise in the ranks to become an Abosan mate or warrant officer. In October of 1755, Cook would see his first friendship and action with another British warship - the Eagle.
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