On This Day
1850-1899 > Colonial Navies & RN
On This Day - 1850-1899
- October 5, 1887
The anthem ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was first performed. Bands of the RAN played the anthem in 1919.
- February 6, 1887
VADM Sir John Crace, KBE, CB, RN, was born at Gungahlin, NSW, (now part of modern-day Canberra). Although Australian by birth he entered the Royal Navy in 1902. He rose steadily through the ranks of the Royal Navy and was appointed Commander of the Australian Squadron in November 1939 with the rank of Rear Admiral. He commanded the Squadron during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. Crace returned to England in June 1942, was knighted in 1947, and lived there until his death in 1968.
- February 1, 1887
RADM Henry Fairfax, CB, appointed Flag Officer Commanding Australia Station. His flagship was HMS NELSON.
- January 30, 1887
The Admiralty agreed to provide eight cadetships a year for Australians, and two for New Zealanders, at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Approval was also given for the formation of Naval Reserves in both colonies. The decision followed demands for increased colonial involvement in naval defence.
- January 1, 1887
RADM Henry Fairfax, CB, was appointed Flag Officer Commanding the Australia Station. His flagships were HM Ships NELSON and ORLANDO.
- September 2, 1886
The Admiralty approved the hoisting of the White Ensign in the Queensland gunboat PALUMA, while the vessel was engaged in survey duties.
- September 9, 1885
The Admiralty asked the Australian colonies to raise, maintain, and command, local defence forces.
- July 4, 1885
Rates of pay in force for the Queensland Navy:-Commander: £1200; Senior Lieutenant: £720; Lieutenant Instructor: £300; Chief Engineer: £600; Assistant Engineer: £360; Gunner and Instructor: £360; Master at Arms: £240; Ship Steward: £240; Wardroom Steward: £192; Captain’s Servant: £120; Chief Boatswain’s Mate: £192; Stokers: £168 to £192; Cook: £180; 2nd Class Petty Officer £168; Armourer: £164; Seaman: £144; Wardroom Officer’s Servant: £96; Boy: £24; The rates quoted are annual, but few members of the service were engaged on a permanent basis.
- June 2, 1885
The strength of the NSW Naval Brigade reached 640, in all ranks.
- April 13, 1885
HMS DIAMOND, (corvette), was stationed at Port Adelaide to guard against an attack by Russian commerce raiders.