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Victorian Naval Forces Muster

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

Profile

Last Name:Bignell
First Name:H.
Rank:Able Seaman
Birth Date:
Branch:Commonwealth Naval Forces

H. Bignell

Able Seaman

While inspecting the guard His Excellency noticed the medals worn by an able seaman named H. Bignell, who before joining the Victorian forces served some 15 years in the Imperial navy, three as a boy and 12 as a seaman. Bignell received his discharge from H.M.S. Katoomba some three years ago, and stayed in Australia. "What service have you seen?" queried Lord Dudley.

 

"I was in the Gambier expedition sir and also the siege of Ladysmith assisting with the H.M.S. Powerful's crew."

"How much time have you served?"

"Twelve as a man and three as a boy, sir."

"Why did you leave?"

"I wanted to stay in this country."

Lord Dudley expressed an opinion that those 15years should count as portton of Bignell's length of service with respect to his pension.

The Argus, 26 September 1908

 

H. Bignell is included in this database as he would have served aboard Cerberus in 1905.

* 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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