Victorian Naval Forces Muster | for the Colony of Victoria. (muster range 1853-1910)*
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Profile| Last Name: | Baker | | First Name: | Francis Sheffield | | Rank: | | | Birth Date: | 00-00-1858 | | Branch: | Victorian Navy | | Francis Sheffield Baker
WE JOINED THE NAVY.
Mr Francis Sheffield Baker, of Osborne street, retired naval veteran, is 79. He landed with his parents at Stevedore Pier in 1871, their ship, the Atrata, having experienced an eventful voyage of six months from England. In 1882 he joined the old Victorian Navy, serving at different periods on the flagship Nelson and the Cerberus. He. remembers the latter vessel being towed up the river in the 'eighties to be fitted with new boilers. Once only, in its long career the famous old vessel ventured on a short cruise outside the Heads, but she cut such alarming pranks in the Rip that her officers and crew were relieved when she got safely back to the harbour. Mr Baker who was a noted exponent of the cutlass, enjoys excellent health.
Williamstown Chronicle, 21 August 1937 |
* 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.P0WERED by: DaDaBIK
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