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Victorian Naval Forces Muster

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

Profile

Last Name:Seabridge
First Name:Tom
Rank:Gunner
Birth Date: 00-00-1843
Branch:Victorian Navy

Tom Seabridge

Gunner

Born in 1843, Tom Seabridge ran away to sea aged 12. He earned his Crimean War Baltic Campaign medal a year later. He came out in Nelson, later serving on Cerberus, Lonsdale and Albert as an ordinance expert. Photograph (between 1884 & 1895) provided by his proud grandson Cyril Curtain.

details from Ian McFarlane's Defending Victoria website.

OBITUARY.
 
A CRIMEAN VETERAN.
 
The death took place on Thursday, February 14, after a brief illness, at the residence of his son, 23 Hosking street, of. Thomas Seabridge, a well known and, respected resident. Deceased, who was born in Staffordshire, England, was 89 years of. age. He joined the Royal Navy as a boy, at the age of 12 years, and. served as a powder monkey on a British warship in the Crimea. He came to Victoria in the old warship, Nelson, of the Victorian Navy, and later served in the ironclad, Nelson, He attained the rank of warrant officer, and retired on a pension at 60 years. He was a resident of this city for 63 years, and is survived by four sons and one daughter (Mrs. C. Curtain). The funeral took place on Friday afternoon leaving his late residence for intermient in the local cemetery, and was very largely attended. Members of the Victorian Naval Veterans' Association were present. The casket was covered by the Union Jack. The funeral arrangements were carried gut by Ernest W. Jackson. The Rev. G. Muller (Congregational) held a house service and officiated at the cemetery. The pall-bearers were Messrs. T. Mooney. A. Anderson, A. Marwood A. G. Brown, E. Saker. J. White, W. Armstrong. H. Stafford and A. F. Morrison.
Williamstown Chronicle, 23 February 1929

 

ACCIDENT TO EX GUNNER SEABRIDGE

THE MARKER RECOVERING

The Argus, 9 March 1895



EX GUNNER SEABRIDGE, whose right arm was amputated near the shoulder on Thursday evening by Dr. Bryant assisted by Drs. Johnston and Howard, is progressing satisfactorily. He lost scarcely any blood during the operation and felt much relief after it, and has continued to improve ever since. But he was in a low state when admitted consequent upon loss of blood during the ten minutes he lay unobserved beside the target after he had been wounded. Mr Porter, of the ranges, attributes the blame to Seabridge who should have hoisted the red flag to indicate his presence or else placed the disc in position, but he had been three quarters of an hour preparing the targets and evidently did not feel the time passing. At the Hospital he was quite conscious and begged Dr Bryant not to amputate the limb, but as the three medical men in charge of the case said that the bone had been almost pulverised by the bullet and were consequently unanimous in the opinion that Seabridge should choose between the loss of his arm and the loss of his life, Seabridge submitted with fortitude to the judgment of the honorary staff and the operation was skilfully performed chloroform having been administered by Dr. Howard.

A search will be made for the missing portion of the bullet, but the doctors are satisfied it is not in Seabridge's body as a careful search was made for it at the time of performing the operation. It may, however, be found in the amputated arm.


 

Listed in The Argus newspaper on 8 September 1884 as having received the Victoria Volunteer Long & Efficient Service Medal on 6 September 1884.


 

Death Notice:- SEABRIDGE.- On the 14th February, at the residence of his son, 23 Hosking street, Williamstown North, Thomas Seabridge, beloved husband of the late Mary, loved father of William, Albert, George, Alfred, and Florence (Mrs. C. Curtain), aged 86 years. A Crimean veteran, and late of H.M. Australian Navy. The Argus, 15 February 1929

 


* 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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