THE IN NEW ZEALAND

HMS Harrier 1860 – 1865

GERALD J. ELLOTT MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ

NOVEMBER 2017

HMS HARRIER

HMS Harrier

Dates from 1804 Class of six wooden screw sloops; Alert, , Falcon, Hornet, Fawn. Screw Sloop, 747 T, 100 HP, 17 guns, Built at , South Wales, launched 1854, BU 1866 Complement - Commissioned August 1854 . Commissioned at Portsmouth for the Australian Station 30 October 1860

Left Portsmouth 17 December 1860.

Captain; Commander Sir Malcolm MacGregor Bart. (29 October 1860). Captain; Commander Francis William Sullivan, (9 November 1863) Succeeded later by Commander Edward Hay.

Lieutenants; John T. Swann & Robert S. Hunt Master Henry C. Sedmond Surgeon William G. J. Ayre Paymaster Silas W. Parker Mate John S. Eaton Assist. Surgeon William A. Turner

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New Zealand Bound HMS Harrier left Portsmouth on 17 December 1860, stopped at Tristan de Cunha 14 February 1861, left on 3 March 1861 for Cape of Good Hope, arriving at Simon’s Bay 15 March 1861. Arrived at Port Jackson via Cape Horn, 22 May 1861.

Left Sydney for New Zealand on 28 May 1861, arrived Manukau 4 June 1861, as a replacement for HMS Fawn on the Manukau Station.

21 June 1861, discharged Royal Marines to HMS Fawn.

7 August 1861, embarked 4 officers and 108 Rank & File, 57th Regiment for Taranaki. On 8 August 1861, there was a heavy sea on the Manukau Harbour Bar, so was not able to cross the Bar until 11 August 1862, discharging the troops at New Plymouth 12 August 1861, returning next day to Manukau.

Cruise Fiji Islands 19 September 1861, left New Zealand for Fiji, leaving 22 October 1861 for Norfolk Island, arrived back at Auckland 8 November 1861.

22 January 1862, left Auckland for Sydney, arrived at Farm Cove Sydney 1 February 1862. At Cockatoo Island 6 March 1862, having the ship’s bottom cleaned. Left to return to Auckland on 13 March 1862, arrived 25 March 1862.

At the end of fighting in Taranaki (April 1862) when HMS Miranda and HMS Iris returned to Sydney, HMS Harrier and HMS Fawn were the only two Royal Navy ships left in New Zealand.

3 April 1862, Private Michael Machan Royal Marine received 48 lashes for drunkenness, in May 1863 he was reported as a deserter.

During May 1862 to October 1862, HMS Harrier was mainly at Auckland with visits to Kawau Island, Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Wellington.

16 October 1862, At Auckland, Commander Sullivan joined the ship, Commander Sir Malcolm MacGregor was discharged for return to England.

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5 November 1862, left for Lyttleton, returning with the Avon in tow, through the Cook Strait (24 November 1862), stopped off at Taranaki 25 November 1862, arriving at Manukau 26 November 1862. 9 December 1862, left Manukau for Wellington and Taranaki, arrived Manukau 25 December 1862

Loss of HMS Orpheus

HMS Harrier was anchored at Onehunga, at 10.30 pm 7 February 1863, the Paymaster of HMS Orpheus, came on board in the Pilot Boat and reported the total loss of that ship on the Manukau Bar.

HMS Harrier went to assist HMS Orpheus, but got grounded and had to be re-floated. Arranged for the Avon to render assistance, and survivors where picked up next morning. On the 9 February 1863, 25 Petty officers and men survivors of the wreck were received on board.

During March 1863 and early April 1863, HMS Harrier was mainly engaged on carrying troops and military supplies to Taranaki, and back to Manukau.

Australia Left New Zealand for Sydney 11 April 1863, arrived 24 April 1863, leaving 30 May 1863, arriving back at the Manukau Station on 13 June 1863.

Whilst at Sydney, Seaman Henry Clark, HMS Harrier, posted a letter home to his mother. Countersigned by Lieutenant John T. Swann, to qualify for the 1d for the ½ oz. - Soldier’s and Seamen’s concession letter rate.

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Lieutenant John Thomlinson Swann who countersigned the cover was promoted to Commander (14 July 1864) in recognition of gallantry displayed by Officers of the Navy in New Zealand, especially in the action at Gate Pa. Henry Clark was killed after he received a gunshot wound in the throat at the Battle of Gate Pah on 29 April 1864.

Sydney New South Wales 22 May 1863, Portsmouth 21 July 1863

In this case it does not appear to have been placed in the Navy bag, but posted in the New South Wales Postal System, and back stamped with the large unframed circular datestamp 22 May 1863 at the Sydney Post Office. It was carried on the P&O Madras, which left the same day to Galle, where the P&O Candia picked it up on 18 June, to Suez, at Alexandria on the P&O Euxine, at which stage the mail was sorted and the 1d GB Adhesive was cancelled with the Mailboat obliterator “B57”. At Malta, it was transferred to the P&O Poonah which proceeded to Southampton, arriving on 21 July 1863.

13 June 1863, back at Manukau, discharged stores to HMS Eclipse.

24 June 1863, lent Officers and men to the Colonial Steamer Sandfly.

28 June 1863, carried supplies to New Plymouth, heavy swell, delayed landing supplies till 30 June 1863, returned Manukau 2 July 1863, HMS Eclipse still in port.

9 July 1863, sent the ship’s cutter to Drury with the Captain and 25 men to take charge of the gun boats on the Waikato River.

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Copy of the map drawn by Midshipman Cecil Foljambe HMS Curacoa

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13 July 1863, purchased 6 Rowboats and 23 sets of oars for work on the Waikato River. The Captain having returned from Drury took the boats plus stores, 200 blankets and 290 pairs of socks for the Naval Brigade, back to Drury. The Armstrong Gun was also sent, to be used for service by the Avon, on the river.

Naval Brigade 17 July 1863, the ship’s Pinnace and the Orpheus Pinnace proceeded to Drury with 8 Officers and 66 men for service in the Naval Brigade. A Naval Force of 200 men, led by Commander Francis William Sullivan, of HMS Harrier was encamped at Drury, to protect the overland supply convoys.

Royal Navy Camp near Mangatawhiri Creek

The squadron which consisted of the Curacoa, Eclipse, Esk, Harrier and Miranda provided men for servicing the “Waikato Flotilla” consisting of the Avon, Pioneer, Ant, Chub, Flirt and Midge. Commander Francis William Sullivan, of HMS Harrier was in command of the Avon, whilst on a reconnaissance up the Waikato river near Mere mere, in August 1863, when she was fired on by the Maoris for the first time.

During the rest of July and early August 1863, the ship’s cutter was regularly carrying supplies to Drury, on 9 August Commander Francis William Sullivan, returned from the Front.

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In early September 1863, men of HMS Harrier conveyed troops to Cameron Town, where about 100 Maoris had attacked the British Field Headquarters (7 September 1863)

On 12 October 1863, embarking guns for the Gun boat Waikato

On 18 October 1863, HMS Eclipse left Onehunga with the Gun boat Pioneer. Men from HMS Harrier were part of the 250 Naval Brigade which took part in the battle of Mere Mere on 31 October 1863.

7 November 1863, loading two cutters with coats for the Front, also coal.

Rangiriri At the battle of Rangiriri on 20 November 1863, when General Cameron called for an assault party of seamen armed with cutlasses and revolvers to try and storm the fortress, 90 men from the Curacoa, Eclipse, Harrier and Miranda, answered the call, commanded by Commander Mayne HMS Eclipse.

HMS Harrier losses at Rangiriri (20 November 1863) included: - David Downer Private RMI, Frederick R. Osborne 2nd Captain Foretop. Also wounded and since died was Able Seaman Charles Stevenson.

On the 19 January 1864, Benjamin Bailey Ordinary Seaman 2nd class received 48 lashes for smuggling spirits on to the ship.

Pinnace (ex Orpheus) and cutter embarked Marines on board steamer Alexandra for service at the front. Next day boats embarking Marines from HMS Curacoa, for service at the front. Commander Edward Hay, appointed vice Commander Francis William Sullivan promoted.

Ship’s Carpenters engaged on repairing the Whaleboat of HMS Eclipse, 24 to 26 February 1864. Lieutenant Frederick Esther from HMS Harrier commanded the Avon when she carried stores up the River, when General Cameron’s Headquarters was at Te Rore in March 1864.

HMS Eclipse arrived on 14 April 1864 with the Commodore and party of seamen and Marines from the Front.

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On the 18 April 1864, all the Marines from HMS Harrier were discharged to HMS Curacoa received 22 men from HMS Eclipse.

HMS Harrier, left Onehunga on 19 April 1864 for Auckland, arriving on 24 April 1864. Lieutenant Hunt, Mr. Allan, Engineer plus 32 men from HMS Curacoa. Part of the Naval Brigade landed for service at the Front (Tauranga)

24 April 1864, HMS Falcon left Auckland for Tauranga. HMS Harrier left Auckland for Tauranga, arrived 26 April 1864, where HMS Esk, Miranda and Falcon had also arrived. Disembarked troops to the Sandfly.

27 April 1864, Disembarked stores and baggage. Captain and two Lieutenants, Gunner, plus 51 men landed for service with the Naval Brigade.

28/29 April 1864, Heavy firing heard from the direction of the Camp (Te Papa), all available men landed at 6.30 p.m. on 29 April 1864.

Gate Pah Commander Edward Hay, HMS Harrier, was in command of the Naval Brigade of 80 seamen and 70 Marines which took part in the storming of the Maori fortifications at Gate Pah, Tauranga on 29 April 1864.

The Battle of Gate Pa

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Losses by men of HMS Harrier, at the Battle of Gate Pah, killed were: - Stoker A. Greenham, Able Seaman George Young, Ordinary Seaman H. Clark Commander Edward Hay later died from wounds received in action.

Samuel Mitchell, Captain of the foretop of HMS Harrier was awarded the Victoria Cross (26 July 1864)

Typical Foretop The citation reads as follows: - “For his gallant conduct at the attack of Te Papa, Tauranga, on the 29 April last, in entering the pah with Commander Hay, and when that officer was mortally wounded, bringing him out, and although ordered by Commander Hay to leave him and seek his own safety. This man was at the time captain of the foretop of the Harrier, doing his duty as captain’s coxswain, and Commodore William Wiseman brings his name to special notice for this act of gallantry”

Anon – The Victoria Cross; An Official Chronicle of the Deeds of Personal Valour. O’Byrne Brothers, London 1865 (second Edition London 1865 (second Edition)

Honours 10 Officer, 60 Seamen and 10 Royal Marines from HMS Harrier, were awarded the New Zealand Medal (1863-1864) for their services – in the attack at Paparoa 1 August 1863, Mere Mere 30 October 1863, Rangiriri 20 November 1863, Te Awamutu 21 February 1864, Rangiaowhia 21 February 1864, Gate Pa, Tauranga 29 April 1864.

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12 May 1864, His Excellency the Governor arrived at Tauranga on board HMS Falcon.

16 May 1864 HMS Esk left Tauranga with General Cameron.

29 May 1864, on board HMS Harrier a survey was made on the supply of biscuits, 6427 were condemned and thrown overboard.

18 June 1864, HMS Harrier proceeded to anchorage off Te Papa Camp.

21 June 1864. The Battle of Te Ranga. HMS Harrier crew mustered at Quarters, sent landing party on shore, prepared for action, landing party returned at 8 p.m. Sent boats with wounded officers and men to HMS Esk, which sailed for Auckland. Total British losses: -13 killed 30 wounded.

5 August 1864, HMS Falcon arrived, and HMS Harrier left Tauranga for Auckland, arriving there on 7 August 1864 mooring at 5 p.m.

11 August Surgeon Duncan Hilston joined the ship.

19 August 1864, The ship’s Company on leave.

26 August 1864, HMS Harrier left Auckland for Sydney, arriving on 14 September 1864, moored at Farm Cove.

18 September 1864, read letter of thanks from the Admiralty for services in New Zealand.

16 October 1864, Lieutenant Hon. L. V. Mostyn joined the ship.

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20 October 1864, HMS Harrier left Sydney for New Zealand, arrived Manukau 31 October 1864.

Discharged , Lieutenant Hon. Herbert G. P. Meade to HMS Curacoa.

2 November 1864, left Manukau for Auckland, arrived 5 November 1864.

6 December 1864, Punished Patrick Daley, Stoker 2nd class with 48 lashes for desertion, also to be imprisioned for 12 months.

Homeward Bound 10 December 1864, HMS Harrier left Auckland for England via the Falkland Islands, arriving at Portsmouth on 24 March 1865.

30 March 1865, Paid off the ship’s Company and put the ship out of commission. Commander William H. Fenwick.

HENRY CLARK (See letter 22 May 1863)

Description Book

ADM 38/8238 29.10.60 – 31.3.65 Entered 12 March 1862 No. 166 List 7.

Killed in action at Te Papa Pah Ordinary Seaman Discharged Dead 29 April 1864 BE 689.

ADM 115/461 Harrier. No. 166, list 7 No. 37834 Ordinary Seaman 12 March 1862 – 29 March 1864

Born Portsmouth 7 March 1844

BOY 1st class HMS Asia, 8 November 1860 – 31 March 1861 Rated 1 January 1862. 7 March 1862 10 years, Owed wages of £2.11s.7d. when he died.

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HMS HARRIER

HMS Harrier Ship’s Log ADM 53/8194 30 October 1860 to 14 June 1861 Commander Sir Malcolm MacGregor, Bart. Master Henry C. Sedmond

30.10.1860 Ship Commissioned at Portsmouth for the Australian Station. 17.12.60 sailed 30.12 Porto Santo Madeira 5.1.1861 Funchal 6.1 Palma 22.1 Cape St. Thomas 4.2 Santa Cruz 12.2 Depart Rio de Janeiro 14.2 Tristan de Cunha 3.3 To Cape of Good Hope 15.3 Arrived Simon's Bay Cape of Good Hope 3.4 Towards Cape A…? 10.5 To Cape Horn 22.5.1861 Moored at Port Jackson 28.5 Left Sydney for NZ 4.6.61 At Manukau Harbour NZ Moored in the Wairoa Channel 14.6 End of Log

Ship’s Log ADM 53/8195 15 June 1861 to 20 March 1862

15.6.61 Off Pupunga Point Manukau Harbour 21.6 Ditto HMS Fawn (Wairoa Channel) Discharged Royal Marines to HMS Fawn. Proceeded to Paratutai (near Whatipu). HMS Fawn sailed steering up the Wairoa Channel. Moored. Target practice. 29.6 Mail arrived per SS Airedale 7.7 Mail Steamer sailed 15.7 Mail Steamer SS Lord Worsley arrived 19.7 Mail Steamer sailed 7/8.8 Preparing for sea, Mail Steamer SS Airedale sailed. Proceeded to Taranaki, having embarked 4 officers, plus 108 Soldiers of 57th Regiment. 8.8 Heavy Seas on the bar turned up the Harbour. Moored of Hui Banks. 11.8 Crossed the bar 12.8 Discharged troops to shore off Taranaki 13.8 Received 4 guns, 2 Muskets and ammunition & Ordinance stores for the Manukau, sailed. 16.8 Steaming up the Manukau Harbour, moored off Onehunga 19.8 Discharged Gun etc. 8.9 Mail Steamer SS Airedale sailed 19.9 Proceeded to sea, on cruise of the Fiji Islands 7.10 Arrived Rewa Roads (Fiji) 8.10 At anchor 10.10 Steaming for Kantavu Island anchored 12.10 Returned to Rewa roads 14.10 At Rewa Roads and Anchored 19.10 Steaming to Levuka, Ovalau Island, anchored. 22.10 Left the Fiji Islands for Norfolk Island 31.10 At Norfolk Island anchored off Sydney Bay 1.11.1861 Left Norfolk Island

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8.11.1861 At Auckland 22.1. 1862 Left Auckland

1.2 At Port Jackson (Sydney) Farm Cove 20.2 Mail Steamer P&O Beneres sailed 6.3 Fitzroy Dry Dock, Cockatoo Island, cleaning ship's bottom 8.3 Man of war HMS 10.3 Employed drawing stores for HMS Fawn 13.3 Left for Auckland End of Log.

Ship’s Log ADM 53/8196 21 March 1862 to 23 November 1862

21.3.1862 At Sea 25.3 1862 At Auckland Harbour 26.3 HMS Fawn arrived 28.3 4.30pm Thomas Robinson Boy 1st Class fell overboard and was saved from drowning by Neil McEwen 2nd Capt. Foretop, who jumped overboard after him at the risk of his own life. Both brought on board in exhausted state 3.4 Received Gunner? of HMS Fawn and 1 Ord. Seaman from HMS Miranda to identify deserters. HMS Miranda sailed at Noon. Punished Michael Machan, Private RM with 48 lashes for drunkenness. *

* Michael Macham Private RM was reported as a Deserter in a Notice dated 6.5.1863 from HMS Harrier (Ref Ships' Deserters Jim Melton, page 265)

16.4.1862 To Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island 19.4 At sea to Hawke's Bay 21.4 At Ahuriri Bluff, Hawke's Bay. 2.5 At sea to Wellington 5.5 At Lambton Quay Harbour Wellington 22.5 Mail Steamer Wonga Wonga arrived 26.5 Mail Steamer Wonga Wonga left 30.5 Steam up, ready to leave to sea 4.6 Anchored off Hawk Bay 5.6 To Coromandel 6.6 At Auckland Harbour 11.6 To Whangaparaoa, anchored Tryphena Bay (Great Barrier) 12.6 To Kawau Island 13.6 To Bay of Islands 14.6 At Kororarika 15.6 To Whangarei Harbour 19.6 At Auckland Harbour 20.6 At Coromandel Harbour 21.6 To Auckland and return 23.6 At Auckland 24.6 At Motatapu Island, Hauraki Gulf 25.6 At Auckland 1.7. Mail Steamer Lord Ashley sailed. Steam up to go to Wellington 11.7 At Lambton Quay Harbour Wellington 18.7 Mail Steamer Stormbird arrived, sailed pm 20.7 Mail Steamer Wonga Wonga arrived 27.7 Mail Steamer Queen arrived, pm. sailed. 30.7 Mail Steamer Lord Worsley arrived, Mail Steamer Stormbird sailed also Lord Worsley sailed.

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3.8.1862 Mail Steamer Stormbird arrived 5.8 Mail Steamer Wonga Wonga arrived 7.8 Mail Steamer Stormbird sailed, also Mail Steamer Wonga Wonga sailed 9.8 Mail Steamer Queen arrived 11.8 Mail Steamer Stormbird and Lord Worsley arrived, and the Stormbird sailed 13.8 Mail Steamer Queen sailed 15.8 Mail Steamer Airedale sailed 17.8 Mail Steamer Wonga Wonga arrived 20.8 Left at Sea to Auckland 1.9.1862 Off Waiheke Island 3.9 At Auckland Harbour 13.9 Left Auckland at sea 19.9 Crossed the bar to Manukau harbour 20.9 Mail Steamer Airedale arrived 21.9 To Taranaki and Wellington 28.9 At Wellington 10.10 Left Wellington for Auckland 16.10 At Auckland, Commander Sullivan joined ship and read appointments to the ship. Discharged Captain MacGregor to the Super List for passage home 5.11. At sea to Lyttleton 12.11 At Lyttleton, Port Cooper. 22.11 To sea End of Log. Captain F. W. Sullivan

Ship’s Log ADM 53/8197 24 November 1862 to 12 August 1863

24.11.1862 Steaming with the Avon in tow. Through Cook Strait. 25.11 Stopped off at Taranaki 26.11 At Manukau Harbour, off Onehunga 9.12 Left for Wellington 11.12 Port Nicholson (Wellington) 15.12 Left for Taranaki 20.12 Off Taranaki 23.12 depart for Manukau 25.12 Moored at Onehunga

1863 7.2. 1863 10.30 pm Paymaster of HMS Orpheus came on board in Pilot Boat and reported total loss of that ship on Manukau Bar. Sent Mr. Jenningham Mid-shipman to Auckland with the information for Captain Jenkins of HMS Miranda and a letter for General Cameron also to direct Colonial Steamer Avon to get up steam and come to render assistance immediately and to recall pinnace. 8.2 Colonial Steamer Avon came on board with the survivors of HMS Orpheus. At anchored off Huia Bank. 9.2.1863 4.00am Picked up part of a chest of drawers belonging to Lieutenant Mudge containing clothing. Sent cutter to examine the beach about the North and South Heads…. Received 25 Petty Officers and men survivors of the wreck Orpheus (8.30)

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3.3.1863 Left for Nelson 8.3 At Nelson 12.3 Left Nelson 17.3. At Manukau Harbour, coaling. 20.3. Mail Steamer Airedale left with troops for Taranaki 27.3 To Taranaki 30.3 At Taranaki Roads, discharged military stores, Left 1.4 On the mud! Near Cape Horn 2.4 Left Manukau and back 11.4. depart Manukau for NSW 24.4 At Port Jackson (Sydney) 30.5. Left Sydney 13.6 At Manukau 28.6 Left Manukau 29.6 Stopped Engines off Taranaki, communicated with shore, and stood out to sea. Heavy swell 30.6 Under Steam to New Plymouth. Hoisted in Military stores. 2.7 At Manukau Harbour, discharged Military Stores. 9.7 Cutter to Drury Captain to the front with 25 men to take charge of Gun boats on the Waikato River, cutter returned. 16.7 Steaming up the Papakura Channel, Moored. 17.7 Ship's Pinnace and Orpheus Pinnace proceeded to Drury with 8 Officers and 66 men for service in the Naval Brigade. 18.7 Sent cutter to Drury with stores etc. for Naval Brigade, Waikato Flotilla, and cutter returned 20.7 Sent cutter to Drury with stores etc. for Naval Brigade, Waikato Flotilla, and cutter returned 24.7 Shifted berth lower down channel, ship grounding at low water 26.7 Cutter to Drury and cutter returned 28.7 Cutter to Drury with stores, 12 Rockets etc. 30.7 Cutter to Drury and returned. 3.8 Cutter to Drury and returned. 5.8 Cutter to Drury and returned. 9.8 Cutter to Drury Captain returned from the front. 11.8.1863 End of Log.

Ship’s Log ADM 53/8198 13 August 1863 to 31 March 1865

Additional Information previously researched for the period 13 August 1863 to 27 August 1864

Log Commencing on 26.8.1864

26.8.1864 Left Auckland for Tryphena Bay? 27.8 To Sydney 14.9 At Sydney, moored at Farm Cove. 18.9 Read letter of thanks from the Admiralty for services in New Zealand 16.10 Lieutenant Hon. Evan L. V. Mostyn, joined the ship. 20.10 To New Zealand 31.10 At Manukau Harbour 1.11 Discharged Lieutenant Hon. Herbert G. P. Meade to HMS Curacoa 2.11 Left Manukau for Auckland 5.11 At Auckland Harbour.

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6.12.1864 Punished Patrick Daley, Stoker 2nd class with 48 lashes for desertion, also, to be imprisoned for 12 months. **

10.12 Left for England 13.1.1865 East Falkland Islands 15.1 Stanley Harbour 20.1 Lieutenant Mostyn reported that Acting Sub-Lieutenant Jenningham was missing from a shooting expedition. Parties away in search at Sparrow Cove. 21.1. Parties accompanied by Captain and 3 boats from an American Whaler, searching for the Sub-Lieutenant. 22.1 Parties returned having found no trace. 23.1 Captain and parties away on search. 24.1 Captain and parties away on search. 28.1 Coaling, proceeded to sea. 17.3 Spithead 24.3 Alongside the stores Jetty, Portsmouth. 30.3.1865 Paid off the ship's Company and put the ship out of commission.

William H. Fenwick Commander.

** Deserters. (as listed in the NSW Government Gazette & NSW Police Gazette The earliest Notice is dated 24 June 1861- 3 men were listed. According to the Ship's log, HMS Harrier was at Sydney 22 -28 May 1861 23.9.1861 - 5 men 17.2.1862 - 2 men 20.2.1862 - 1 man 24.2.1862 - 1 man reported as a "Straggler" 27.2.1862 - 1 man reported for a crime.

The man considered to be a "Straggler" in Notice 24.2.1862, now considered to be a Deserter.

The NSW G. Gazette no longer listed Deserters, after February 1862, and these were now published in the NSW Police Gazette. 12.3.1862 - 1 Straggler and 1 Deserter 19.3.1862 - 3 men, 3 Boys and the Quartermaster

According to the Ship's log, HMS Harrier was at Sydney 1 Feb.- 13 March 1862 6. 5.1863 - 5 men 13. 5.1863 - 3 men 27. 5.1863 - 1 man 3. 6.1863 - 3 men According to the Ship's log, HMS Harrier was at Sydney 24 April - 30 May 1863

5.10.1864 -4 Stragglers (30 September 1864)

Research by Margaret Frankcom Processed 13 - 17 May 2009

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Samuel Mitchell VC (1841 – 1894)

Victoria Cross

Samuel Mitchell was born on 8 September 1841, at Aspley, near Woburn, Bedfordshire, England, the son of William Mitchell, a labourer and later a Wesleyan minister, and his wife, Eleanor Field. Mitchell entered the Royal Navy as a naval apprentice in August 1857. He served in the ships Crocodile and Excellent, before joining the screw sloop Harrier in August 1860, and sailing from Portsmouth for the Australia station in December of the same year. He was soon made the captain's coxswain and captain of the mizentop, and later advanced to captain of the foretop. By 1865 he was boatswain's mate.

Edward Hay, the leader of the naval brigade and captain of the Harrier, fell mortally wounded. As Hay's coxswain, Mitchell had stayed close to him in the assault and carried Hay out through the rear of the pa under fire, even though Hay had ordered Mitchell to abandon him. For this act, Mitchell was awarded the Victoria Cross on 23 July 1864, and was promoted to petty officer, first class.

Accounts of the action imply that Mitchell alone rescued Hay. This may not have been so. One eyewitness noted that Hay was carried out by Mitchell and another soldier, and that a sailor, himself wounded, also assisted. However, the dying Hay 'particularly requested the Commodore to get something for Mitchell his coxswain'. Mitchell received his Victoria Cross from the governor of New South Wales at a public ceremony in the Sydney Domain on 24 September 1864.

Reference https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1m44/mitchell-samuel

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We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill

" Believe nothing that you hear, a quarter of what you read, and only a half of what you see, and check and recheck your facts" Percy de Worms

I was rather disappointed with some of the research information, especially the Ship’s Logs. I found confusing information as well as a lack of detail, especially relating to the actions carried out off the ship.

I accept that there is going to be conflicting information, and I apologize and accept that any errors are purely mine.

I appreciate any information which will correct any errors and any details which will improve this narrative.

GERALD J. ELLOTT MNZM RDP FRPSL FRPSNZ [email protected]

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