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Victorian Naval Forces Muster

for the Colony of Victoria. (muster range 1853-1910)*

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Last Name:Sims
First Name:Arthur J.
Rank:Able Seaman
Birth Date: 00-00-1859
Branch:Victorian Navy

Arthur J. Sims

Able Seaman

From the photo below taken in 1883

 

Listed in the Williamstown Chronicle of 23 October 1926 as being a member of the Cerberus crew in 1883. Far left, top row in the photo below. 

 

Click photo to enlarge.

Original Newspaper Articles


 

A small obelisk has been constructed out of the fragments of the boat which was blown up in the torpedo accident off Queenscliff in March last. The model is in the shape of a monument, and is a facsimile of the one lately erected in the Williamstown Cemetery by the comrades of the unfortunate men who lost their lives while doing their duty. The pedestal is made out of part of the keel of the boat, the centre out of the gunwale, and the top out of one of the broken oars. The model stands about 9in. high, and bears the following inscription :- "In memoriam of R. S. Groves, William Barnes, James Wilkie, James Hunter, and Henry Timberly, killed in the boat of the Cerberus by the torpedo explosion, off Queenscliff, on 5th March, 1881" It is the work of A. J. Sims, an A B. on board the Cerberus, and is of considerable merit. It is made out of the only pieces saved of the boat.

The Argus, 12 October 1881


 

The death of ex-Sergeant A. J. Sims

occurred last week at North road, Brighton. Ex-Sergeant Sims joined the old Victorian, navy and served on the Cerberus and the old wooden battleship Nelson. In 1883 he was transferred to the water police at Williamstown, and when that force disbanded he joined up with the foot police. He did duty in Gippsland, and on his appointment as sergeant was given charge of Montague station, and afterwards Port Melbourne. During the war period he had the supervision of the whole of the traffic connected with the  embarkation and disembarkation of the troops, and for the tact shown in the discharge of his duty was presented by the Automobile Club with a silver rose bowl. He was one of the founders of the Police Band. He retired from the police force a year ago.

Zeehan and Dundas (Tasmania) Herald, 14 April 1920


 

Death has been busy during the last week or two among members and ex-members of the Victorian police force, more than one of whomn have been identified with Williamstown. Another added to the list was ex-Sergeant Arthur J. Sims, a former member of the now defunct water police force. He died at his home at Brighton on Wednesday, 7th inst. For a period subsequent to June, 1879, he was attached to H.M.A.S. Cerberus. He was transferred into the uniform police just prior to leaving Williams town, and later saw service in Gipps latid, and later still one or other of the Melbourne suburbs, eventually having charge at Port Melbourne. During the early portion of the war lie acted as traffic officer in connection with the embarkation and disembarkation of troops until September 1918. Being of a literary turn of mind, he compiled a very educative manual, which was highly commended by the then Chief Commissioner of Police as an efficient guide to th members of the force generally, and more particularly to young constables. He was 61 years of age at the period of demise. A widow and two grown up daughters mourn his loss. Williamstown Chronicle, 10 April 1920 Cerberus.

Williamstown Chronicle, 10 April 1920


* 1853 is given as the commencement date for the Victorian Navy as this is the year that Commander Lockyer (RN) went to Britain to superintend the building of HMCS Victoria.
Although the Victorian Navy ended in 1901 the career of Cerbeus etc continued. In 1910 the new ships started arriving & manning levels increased.

Information & photographs of men who served in the Victorian Naval Forces is eagerly sought. Please contact the webmaster.
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