Deserted at Sydney from HMS Clio on 12 September 1873. Arrested three weeks later and returned to HMS Rosario. Sentenced to 90 days in Darlinghurst Goal. Mention of death in the HMS Pearl Surgeon's Journal for 1874 image 23
People pop up in the unlikeliest of places!
Whilst researching the HMS Pearl Surgeon's Journal for 1874 (digitalized under the Australian Joint Copying Project and available on-line via Trove), I discovered a name that isn't in our database! Until now
Whilst reporting on the deaths associated with HMS Pearl for 1874, there was a note about the death of one George Brackenridge, a 28 (actually 29) year old Gunner in the Royal Marine Artillery. He died in the Sydney Infirmary of phthisis on 15 June 1874. At the time of his death, he was attached to HMS Clio.
There is no reason given why the surgeon, Mr. A.D. Messer, included Brackenridge in his report. Nor was there any record in the newspapers of the Gunner's death and funeral. He was quite forgotten!
Research shows that George Brackenridge, son of David and Margaret Brackenridge was born on 02 June 1845 in Kirkcudbright, Scotland. He enlisted in the Royal Marine Artillery (service record to be discovered!). By 1873, he was posted to HMS Clio and in September that year, along with fellow RMA Gunner Fred Sallis, deserted in Sydney. The description provided by the ship states that he was 5 foot 8 inches, brown hair, light blue eyes, and a fresh omplexion. A typical lowland Scot! Three weeks later they were caught and spent 90 days in Darlinghurst Goal for their efforts.
George Brackenridge is buried in an unmarked grave in Rookwood Church of England Cemetery, Section J, Grave 1183.
Almost 151 years later, he is found and recorded in our database.
