Three Cheers on 6 March 1788 Norfolk Island
On 6 March 1788 at daylight, the newly appointed Norfolk Island commandant Philip Gidley King departed from HMAT Supply with two boats carrying all settlement personnel except women, along with tents, tools, and provisions.
Everything was landed safely, and the group immediately began clearing ground for the tents. By sunset, all people and supplies were ashore and tents erected. That evening, the flag was raised, and King formally took possession of the island; a toast to their Majesties, the Prince of Wales, and the colony’s success was made, followed by three cheers.
The island was found to be densely wooded with large trees, especially pines of remarkable size, and thick undergrowth, making inland travel and clearing land difficult. Despite Captain Cook’s earlier reports, no flax plants were found during the early initial explorations. Abundant wildlife observed, including pigeons, parrots, parakeets, doves, and other birds, many of which were very tame. Evidence of volcanic activity suggested by the presence of pumice stone. A spring of fresh water was discovered near the encampment, which was crucial for the settlement.
The first group of people to travel to Norfolk Island in 1788 consisted of officers, seamen, marines, and convicts; most were in good health except for a few suffering from scurvy.
- Lieut. Philip Gidley King, Commandant: HMAT Supply Norfolk Island March 1790 ebook
- James Cunningham, Midshipman and master’s mate of HMS Sirius: First Fleet Deaths Norfolk Island
- Thomas Jamison, Surgeon, 1st Mate of HMS Sirius
- John Turnpenny Altree, Assistant Surgeon, Lady Penrhyn surgeon
- Roger Morley, Seaman HMS Sirius
- William Westbrook, Seaman HMS Sirius: First Fleet Deaths Norfolk Island
- Charles Heritage, Marine HMS Sirius
- John Batchelor, Marine HMS Sirius: First Fleet Deaths Norfolk Island
- John Williams, convict Charlotte: First Fleet Deaths Norfolk Island
- Charles McClellan, convict Alexander
- Nathaniel Lucas, convict Scarborough: Rev. Henry Fulton’s Baptism, Burial and Marriage records of 1801 – 1806 Norfolk Island
- Edward Garth, convict Scarborough
- John Mortimore, convict Charlotte: Lady Nelson: Norfolk Island to Hobart February 1808
- Noah Mortimore, convict Charlotte: Lady Nelson: Norfolk Island to Hobart February 1808
- Edward Westlake, convict Charlotte
- Richard Widdicombe, convict Charlotte
- John Rice, convict Charlotte
- Anne Innet, convict Lady Penrhyn: HMAT Supply Norfolk Island March 1790 ebook
- Elizabeth Colley, convict Lady Penrhyn
- Elizabeth Lee, convict Lady Penrhyn: Love and Land: Female Landholders Norfolk Island 1788 – 1814 ebook
- Elizabeth Hipsley, convict Lady Penrhyn: Love and Land: Female Landholders Norfolk Island 1788 – 1814 ebook
- Olive Gascoigne, convict Lady Penrhyn: Rev. Henry Fulton’s Baptism, Burial and Marriage records of 1801 – 1806 Norfolk Island
- Susan Gough, convict Friendship
Includes extracts from Cathy Dunn, Norfolk Island landing party 6 March 1788 HMAT Supply (out of print)