Henry Serjeant (bef. 1840 - 1860)

Died 6 Jun 1860 after age 20 in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Kenneth Evans [send private message]

Biography

Henry Serjeant was born before 1840.

He joined the crew of HMVS Victoria as an Able Seaman and sailed for New Zealand on 23rd April 1860 in response to the Taranaki War, a 'rebellion' by Maori. The 'cargo' was two companies of the 40th (Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot. In addition to the British Army soldiers, sailors from Victoria's crew also served ashore as part of the Naval Brigade. ^[1] The rate of pay for an Able Seaman was four shillings and nine pence (48¢) per day. ^[2]

A member of the shore party, Henry was shot in the foot when one of his fellow crew members accidently discharged his rifle. His foot was amputated, however, complications occurred and he passed away on 6th June 1860. Henry's death marks the first casualty of an Australian serviceman on active service abroad. ^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ Naval Historical Society of Australia: 'HMVS Victoria – Australia’s First Warship'; accessed 6 Jan 2022
2. ↑ Naval Historical Society of Australia: 'HMVS Victoria – Australia’s First Warship'; accessed 6 Jan 2022
3. ↑ 'Wartime Issue 97, Summer 2022'. Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT; accessed 6 Jan 2022