Robert Henderson, Able Seaman, HMS Sirius 1788

Born Sunderland Durham England. He joined HMS Sirius 28 October 1786 at Deptford, Crew Number 31, aged 26 years. Robert was stranded on Norfolk Island, mustered on 20 March 1790 on Norfolk Island after the shipwreck. In February 1791, James returned to Sydney aboard HMAT Supply and disembarked on 26 February 1791. Robert then embarked on the Dutch vessel Waaksamheid for England. He died at sea 14 November 1791, after writing … Continue reading Robert Henderson, Able Seaman, HMS Sirius 1788

Photo Gallery, Ships Company, Shipwreck 1790

John Hunter, 2nd Captain. HMS Sirius 1788

Born 29 August 1737 Leith Edinburgh Scotland, son of shipmaster William Hunter and his wife Helen née Drummond. John appointed 2nd Captain, joining HMS Sirius on 15 December 1786 at Deptford, Crew Number 158, aged 49 years. His journal An Historical Journal of the Transactions at Port Jackson and Norfolk Island is a valuable source of life on Norfolk Island after the shipwreck was published … Continue reading John Hunter, 2nd Captain. HMS Sirius 1788

Ships Company, Shipwreck 1790

Newton Digby Fowell, Midshipman, HMS Sirius 1788

Born 30 July 1768, Blackhall, Devon, England, son of John FOWELL and his wife Mary nee DIGBY. He joined HMS Sirius as an able seaman on 25 February 1787 at Portsmouth, aged 19 years, Crew Number 168. He was previously a midshipman on HMS Ardent. Newton was promoted to midshipman on 8 May 1787, and again promoted to second lieutenant of HMS Sirius by Captain … Continue reading Newton Digby Fowell, Midshipman, HMS Sirius 1788

Convicts, Marines

Love Children of HMS Sirius 1790

Seaman Jacob Nagle wrote: HMS Sirius after striking the reef at Norfolk Island there was over four feet to seven feet, (accounts do vary) and flowing in fast into the hull of the bulging ship, now located even closer to shore before the swell broke once more against the ship, the crew were able get one boat alongside, and send safely ashore Captain Cook’s timepiece … Continue reading Love Children of HMS Sirius 1790

Marines 1788

James Angell, Marine HMS Sirius 1788

Marine Private 26th Portsmouth, HMS Sirius 1788. He served with Captain-Lieutenant Meredith’s Company as part of the Port Jackson Garrison from Jul 1788, and also worked as a shingler at Sydney Cove. Angell arrived on Norfolk Island aboard HMAT Supply 13 Mar 1790. For further information please see The People, Soldiers and Victualling Book of the Kitty Transport era from Norfolk Island 1793 Continue reading James Angell, Marine HMS Sirius 1788

Norfolk Island, Shipwreck 1790

235th Anniversary HMS Sirius Shipwreck Norfolk Island

235th Anniversary events of Shipwreck of HMS Sirius on Norfolk Island are being held in March 2025. HMS Sirius Week Norfolk Island Package includes: Return flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Norfolk Island Seven nights accommodation (double – twin share – single – triple and quad available) Step Back in Time Norfolk Island Tour Special HMS Sirius lunch with heritage speakers Visit all the Norfolk … Continue reading 235th Anniversary HMS Sirius Shipwreck Norfolk Island

Shipwreck 1790

Accounts of the Shipwreck

After a few nights out at sea, Captain Hunter steered HMS Sirius toward Sydney Bay in close to Phillip Island on the morning of 19 March at 9am with a small wind form the south-east. HM Supply had already arrived and the flag signal was flying showing it was suitable for long boats to land without any danger from the surf so HMS Sirius sailed … Continue reading Accounts of the Shipwreck

James Painter, Carpenter’s mate, HMS Sirius 1788

Born 1761, St Michaels Cornwall England. James Painter joined HMS Sirius 24 March 1787 at Portsmouth, Crew Number 184, aged 23 years with previous service on the Ardent. Further Readings: Marriages November 1791 Norfolk Island: Romance among the Pine Trees Sarah Manning, the wife James Painter left behind on Norfolk Island departed Norfolk Island per Lady Nelson for Hobart 14 February 1808 Coming Soon: Seaman Settlers of Norfolk … Continue reading James Painter, Carpenter’s mate, HMS Sirius 1788