Garrison Marines HMS Sirius 1788
If a marine arrival not known Family historians, researchers and some First fleet associations tend to state their Jan 1788 arrival as per HMS Sirius; with undertaking no in-depth cross referencing research and then distribute this misinformation. In addition to not emphasising the distinction between garrison marines and ship marines. By failing to separate their roles, the nuanced and multifaceted nature of marine involvement in the First Fleet narrative is lost. This not only diminishes the historical accuracy but also overlooks the individual stories and experiences that shaped the Colony’s early years.
The history of the First Fleet and its composition is a cornerstone of early Australian colonial history. However, inaccuracies and oversights persist in the narratives often propagated by family historians and associations tied to the First Fleet. One of the most notable mistakes arises from the tendency to misattribute the arrival of marines to HMS Sirius in cases where no definitive record exists. Coupled with this is the frequent failure to distinguish between garrison marines and ship marines—two groups that played fundamentally different roles both aboard the ships and in the Colony.
To rectify these historical inaccuracies, and dispel myths surrounding marine arrivals and roles, greater emphasis must be placed on rigorous research and verification using primary sources, such as ship manifests e.g. HMS Sirius ship’s Musters 1787 to 1790; which also records the transfers of garrison marines to and from between HMS Sirius and other first fleet ships during the voyage. The legacy of the First Fleet is a foundational chapter in the history of Australia, and preserving the accuracy of its narrative is essential. Misattributing marine arrivals to HMS Sirius and conflating garrison marines with ship marines are historical research oversights. By fostering more rigorous research practices and emphasizing the distinctions between these groups, historians and enthusiasts can contribute to a more detailed and authentic understanding of Australia’s colonial origins.
Garrison Marines became the military presence with the Colony. They were stationed on land, tasked with protecting the fledgling settlement from external threats and maintaining order among the inhabitants. Their role was far more intertwined with the day-to-day life of the Colony, extending beyond military duties to include policing and administrative responsibilities. Unlike ship marines, garrison marines were deeply embedded in the fabric of colonial society, influencing its governance and development.
Garrison Marines HMS Sirius 1788
Marines Borne as Supernumeraries for Victual Only being part of the Detachment for New South Wales and List of Women Born for Victuals at half allowance, 1 Jan 1788 to 29 Feb 1788; TNA-ADM36-10978: 196 – 197.
David Collins: Captain, embarked HMS Sirius 22 Feb 1787 Headquarters Portsmouth, discharged 17 Feb 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson
Henry Petrie: Serjeant, embarked HMS Sirius 7 Mar 1787 Headquarters Portsmouth, discharged 18 Feb 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson
Henry Parson: Private, transferred from Charlotte 21 Mar 1787, discharged 29 Jan 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson
Samuel Bacon and wife Jane Bacon: Private, transferred from Charlotte 21 Mar 1787 and wife embarked HMS Sirius 21 Mar 1787 Portsmouth, both discharged 9 Feb 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson. Their daughter Elizabeth Bacon was born after Nov 1787 on the voyage to NSW aboard HMS Sirius, bap: 10 Feb 1788 aboard Sirius Frigate (sic) Port Jackson docked at Sydney Cove. Her exact birth date or location is unknown, there is no mention in HMS Sirius’s logs, muster or any First Fleet journal. See HMS Sirius Babies and Love Children.
Andrew Gilbourne and wife Margaret Gilbourne: Private, transferred from Charlotte 21 Mar 1787, wife embarked HMS Sirius 21 Mar 1787 Portsmouth. Andrew Gilbourne discharged 29 Jan 1788, and wife discharged 9 Feb 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson. See HMS Sirius Babies and Love Children.
Alexander Ross: Private, embarked HMS Sirius 21 Mar 1787 Headquarters Portsmouth, discharged 17 Feb 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson
Joseph Radford: Private, embarked HMS Sirius 20 Apr 1787 Headquarters Portsmouth, discharged 29 Jan 1788 to Head Quarters Port Jackson
