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Victorian Naval Forces Muster

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

Profile

Last Name:Watt
First Name:Alexander
Rank:Gunner
Birth Date: 10-11-1836
Branch:Victorian Navy

Alexander Watt

Gunner

Alexander Watt was born 10/11/1836 in Kinneff/Catterline, Kincardineshire, Scotland. He left home to go to sea. When he was 23 he turned up in Williamstown aboard the H.M. Dredge "DUBHAR" on 22/8/1860. It's not yet known on what ship he came to Australia. In 1862 he was aboard the HMCS VICTORIA, (Her Majesty's Colonial Steam Sloop) Victoria's first warship, leased (sic) from the British Navy. Although he wrote a number of letters home to his brother he rarely mentioned life in the Colony and instead preached the straight and narrow life to his brother. In 1864 he married Mary Smart.

He lived at 21 John St, North Williamstown on 26/3/1865. He built a house at 39 Dover Road, Williamstown in 1866. It was a three roomed, slate-roofed weatherboard cottage. His children were born 1865, 1866 and 1868. Later he was an instructor aboard the SIR HARRY SMITH, a 408t Barque used as a blockship/depot ship/training ship for the Victorian Water Police.

Details


 

Mrs J. Seymour has shown us some interesting letters written by Mr. A Watt, in 1862, from Williamstown, to his brother in Ireland. According to the letters, Mr. Watt was one of the crew of the old H.M.C.S. Victoria in 1862, and in 1864 and 1868 resided in 21 John-street and at 9 Dover-road. Probably some old residents will have some recollection of him.

Williamstown Chronicle, 6 September 1924


Discharged owing to reductions.

The Benalla Ensign and Farmer's and Squatter's Journal, 27 May 1870


A man named Alexander Watt, ex-gunner of the hulk Harry Smith, hung himself yesterday.

Empire, 24 May 1870

 


 

On Monday afternoon Dr. Maclean, the district coroner, held an inquest at Williamstown upon the body of the unfortunate man Watt, whose suicidal death was reported in yesterday's issue. The evidence showed that the deceased was a native of Scotland, and 32 years old. He had formerly been in the Indian navy, and had been eight years in the colony, most of which time he had filled the position of gunner in H.M. ships Victoria and Sir Harry Smith. Since the death of his wife in March last, he had exhibited marks of insanity, and eight or nine days before his death he was discharged from the Sir Harry Smith for neglect of duty. The deceased was a steady man, and had always borne an excellent character. The jury returned a verdict that he was labouring under temporary insanity at the time he hung himself. 

The Argus, 24 May 1870


 

 


* 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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