 He spent a short period aboard HMS "Renown", which was dismasted in a gale while escorting a convoy to Quebec, before returning to "Loyalist" where he was promoted to Able Seaman and then Midshipman.Bullen returned to England in July 1781 aboard HM Sloop "Halifax" along with his father and Rear Admiral Arbuthnot, who had had some differences of opinion with Admiral Rodney.Charles stayed ashore until 1786 and finished his schooling.