Chief Gunner

Gunner James Drewitt came to Victoria on HMVS Albert in 1884. In 1888 he was appointed a 1st Class Gunner in the Victorian Naval Forces.

I reply to an hon. member in the Assembly on Wednesday, Mr. Richardson said that the Defence department did not intend to dispense with the services of Chief Gunner Drewitt, as it would involve a pecuniary loss to the department.

Williamstown Chronicle, 26 August 1893

Posted to HMS Orlando, for the Victorian Naval Defence Forces.

Sydney Morning Herald, 13 March 1897

Chief Gunner Drewitt is at present in England undergoing the usual course as laid down by the Admiralty.

Geelong Advertiser, 21 August 1899

We have much pleasure in congratulating our townsman, Mr J. Drewett, of H.M.V.S. Cerberus, on his promotion to a lieutenant in His Majesty's fleet, and on his being retained in that rank for service in the local Navy. Mr Drewett is essentially a "ranker" in the Navy, having first entered as a boy on a training ship, passing through every grade of seamanship, gunnery, and torpedo instruction with credit.

The Argus, 16 April 1904

At the meeting of the Federal Executive Council yesterday, Chief Gunner Drewitt was appointed to act as lieutenant in the naval forces of Victoria during the absence at the war of Commander Colquhoun.

Bendigo Advertiser, 11 February 1904.

Lieutenant J. Drewitt, of the Naval Forces, has been granted four months' leave of absence on full pay. At the end of that term he retires, having reached the age of limitation

Williamstown Chronicle, 9 July 1904

Lieutenant James Drewitt, R.N.R., late of the Australian Navy, and who was a well known resident of Williamstown, died at sea on the 2nd May when going home to. receive his pension.

Williamstown Chronicle, 24 June 1905

"In loving memory of Lieutenant James Drewitt, R.N., late of the Victorian navy who died 2 May 1905 while on a voyage to England. Buried at sea."

The Argus, 2 May 1908