August '05 - John Rackham / 'Callico Jack'

John Rackham is also known as 'Calico Jack' by many. This due to his preference for calico coats and britches. He wasn't among the most famous and fearsome pirates in history, but he's most known for his association with Anne Bonny and Mary Read, the worlds most famous female pirates.

Rackham is first mentioned in pirate history as the quartermaster of the pirateship 'Treasure' in 1717 under the commands of Captain Charles Vain. He got captain of that same ship himself through the incompetence of Vane, in neglecting to attack a auspicious French man-of-war, to the dismay of its crew. With this protest against the captains decision he won the crews support. They put Vane to the vote and, ultimately, deposed him from command. Vane and the crewmembers who voted against Rackham were cast off on a smaller sloop.

'Calico Jack' then sailed to a small deserted isle for some rest. While at the island, two sloops from Jamaica surprised Rackham and his ship was seized. Rackham found his way to Providence Island where he asked for a pardon from Governor Rogers, wich he was granted in May 1719. It was while he was at Providence Island that he met Anne Bonny, the wife of James Bonny, whom he stole away (willingly) from her husband. They fought side by side battle after battle. It was in the late 1719 when Rackham and Bonny stole a sloop with some others. The pirates sailed between Haiti and Bermuda and took several small ships.

End October 1920 their ship was captured and in November that year Rackham, Bonny and Read together with almost the entire crew were senteced to hang. Although Read and Bonny were spared their lives, as said they were both pregnant. But Rackham wasn't able to miss his appointment with the noose and was hanged on November 28th.

----Interesting Fact:----
The famous flag with the skull and crossed swords is the original flag of John Rackham a.k.a 'Calico Jack'. He used this gracefull set of crossed swords instead of bones to show his willingness to fight.