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New South Wales Naval Brigade water bottle

Maker New South Wales Naval Brigade (Australian, 1863 - 1907)

Datec 1900

Object number00033599

NameBottle

MediumWood, metal

DimensionsOverall: 180 x 103 x 73 mm, 0.3 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Steven Chapman

Terms

DescriptionA wooden water bottle issued to William Frederick John Chapman from the New South Wales Naval Brigade prior to the brigade's departure to the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. HistoryWilliam Frederick John Chapman was born on the 26 June 1857 in Chippendale, Sydney and died 21April 1919 in Sydney, Australia. His parents were William and Charlotte Chapman who had both arrived in NSW as convicts in 1835 and 1838 respectively. William was the youngest in the family with four older sisters. He married Mary Catherine Stafford sometime during the 1880's and worked for the Government Railway as an ironworker. He served part time in the NSW Naval Brigade and was kitted out for the Boxer Rebellion with uniform and webbing (including water bottle, bayonet and rifle) for overseas duty in China, however hostilities ceased prior to their departure. The New South Wales Naval Brigade was formed in 1863 and lasted until 1911 - the year the Royal Australian Navy came into existence. Primarily land - based for decades, the Brigade was made up of volunteers. Australia's involvement in the Boxer Rebellion in China began on 28 June 1900 when the British Government asked for Australia Station warships to be released for service in China. In addition, Victoria sent 200 men of the Victorian Naval Brigade, New South Wales sent another 260 and South Australia committed HMCS PROTECTOR with 96 officers and men. Chapman was part of the New South Wales Naval Brigade contingent. Standard issue equipment would have included a water bottle such as this one.SignificanceAlthough the Boxer Rebellion occured just prior to Australias Federation and many Australian troops were already fighting the Boer Wars, the individual colonies were able to send troops in the form of state naval brigade volunteers to join Western forces in China.