Victorian Naval Forces Muster

Richardson

Gunner 1st Class

We regret to notice by the Government Gazette the retirement of Gunner ?. Richardson (1st class) from the Victorian Naval Brigade through being over the set down in the regulations for retirement. This officer has done some very valuable service, as will be seen from the following. He served in Her Majesty's Imperial Navy for a period of five years, during which time he served all through the China War in 1860 when such places as "Taku Fort" "Ting Sing" and "Pekin" were taken for which he holds both medal and clasp, and in the engagements served on board H.M.S. Ferooz as captain's coxswain to Captain Ironson, on board that ship; also was with Mr. Henry B. Loch, the Ex-Governor of Victoria who recognised him after 20 years on his arrival to take up that position. In 1866 he joined the Victorian Naval Brigade, which was afterwards disbanded and called the Victorian Naval Reserve, and once more altered to the name it now holds — The Victorian Naval Brigade. He joined the Brigade as an able seaman and passed through the positions of petty officer, 2nd and Ist class. In 1885 he was promoted to the position of gunner 2nd class, and lately to gunner lst class which position, he retained until his retirement after 28 years service under Victoria's colours, for which he holds the silver medal for "long and efficient service." We notice that persons serving in this body are not allowed superannuation, and it is very unjust to see such an efficient officer, who has done such very valuable service to his country, retired without some recognition from he Government of Victoria, only to be placed on the retired list from the 1st of July, 1894.

Williamstown Chronicle, 14 July 1894