John William Cockle
Gunner Instructor
John with Naval Brigade cap tally, after 1884
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Douglas
It would appear that John served in the Williamstown division of the Volunteer Naval Brigade from 1867 until 1870 and then joined the Victorian Navy where he was serving as a Petty Officer in 1873. Later on John served as a Gunner Instructor in the Sandridge/Port Melbourne division of the Victorian Naval Reserve/Brigade.
Friends of the Cerberus holds John Cockle's copy of the Victorian Naval Forces - Torpedo Manual - Whitehead Torpedoes, 1889. This is the only known copy of this manual and can be downloaded via www.cerberus.com.au/manuals
Listed in the Victorian Defence Forces List, Naval Branch, 1 January 1890.
Listed in the Argus newspaper of 8 September 1884 as being awarded the Victoria Volunteer Long & Efficient Service Medal.
Listed in the Victorian Defence Forces List, Naval Branch, 10 May 1872 as having resigned or been discharged.
Served 1867 - 1870
Source Victorian Naval Brigade 1860 - 1871 courtesy of Tom Corfmat, Victorian Colonial Infantry Association Inc.
In 1883 John renovated the Port Melbourne Drill Room.
A History of Port Melbourne, Nancy Uren & Noel Turnbull, 1983.
According Elizabeth Douglas, John and his wife lived in the Port Melbourne Drill Hall for many years.
Placed on retired list as of 31 July 1892, Victorian Government Gazette, 15 July 1892.
Died 17 January 1901 | 