This paper investigates one of the first attempts in England of naval medical provision.  Better known by contemporaries as the ‘army by sea’, the Exchequer Accounts identify the surgeons who were assigned and appointed to serve onboard ships in Henry VIII’s fleet in 1513. Attention is given to the number of surgeons, their qualification, time of service and the wages paid to them between March and the end of September. Cross-referencing the information from the Exchequer accounts with letters and state papers allows the ships and the number of men, who served on them, to be identified.  Literacy amongst the surgeons during this period is also considered by examining the signatures and marks made by the surgeons on collection of their wages.