On This Day
1850-1899 > Colonial Navies & RN
On This Day - 1850-1899
- July 14, 1866
HMVS VICTORIA, and the Government steamer PHAROS, rescued 452 passengers and crew from the clipper ship NETHERBY, wrecked on King Island, Bass Straight, off Victoria.
- June 5, 1866
The Government Gazette proclaimed: ‘The whole of Garden Island is now therefore permanently dedicated as a Depot for the use of Her Majesty’s Ships’. Garden Island, Sydney, occupied 12 acres at this time. By 1900 it had grown to 19 acres due to reclaimation, and in 1980 it was 2.5 acres.
- May 22, 1866
CDRE Rochford Maguire, RN, was appointed Commodore Commanding Australia Station. His flagship was HMS CHALLENGER.
- February 20, 1865
LEUT Cornelius E. Hunt of the Confederate States raider Shenandoah recorded in his journal two days out of Port Phillip:””Our ship’s company has received a mysterious addition of 45 men”. The men were Australian volunteers smuggled on board at Williamstown.
- August 5, 1864
The British Government allocated the White Ensign to the RN, the Blue Ensign to the RNR, and the Red Ensign to the MN.
Squadronal colours were abolished in the RN. Admirals of the Red, White, and Blue, were replaced by Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, and Admiral ranks.
- April 28, 1864
Naval brigades from HM Ships CURACOA and MIRANDA, of the Australia Station, attacked the GRAND PAH in New Zealand. The naval campaign in the Maori Wars was directed by the Commodore Commanding Australia Station.
- April 18, 1864
HMVS VICTORIA transported 100,000 salmon, and 3000 trout ova, from Melbourne to Hobart to establish Tasmania’s fish hatcheries.
- May 19, 1863
The NSW Naval Brigade was formed. The strength of the Brigade at its first parade was 20 officers and men.
- May 17, 1863
The New South Wales Volunteer Naval Reserve was formed in Sydney.
- April 20, 1863
CDRE Sir William S. Wiseman, RN, was appointed Commodore Commanding Australia Station. His flagship was HMS CURACAO.