HMCS VICTORIA
Artist
Geoffrey Chapman Ingleton
(Australian, 1908 - 1998)
Date1930s-1940s
Object number00017831
NameEtching
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 506 x 406 mm, 250 g
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis etching by Geoffrey Ingleton depicts HMCS VICTORIA under full sail passing HMS NIGER during the Anglo-Maori war of 1860.HistoryThe specialised 580-ton steam gunship HMCS VICTORIA was ordered in London by the Victorian Government in July 1854 and launched on 30 June 1855. It set sail from Plymouth in March 1856, arriving at Port Phillip Bay on 31 May. VICTORIA initially served as an armed police vessel from 1856-1859 before passing to the direct control of the chief secretary of the colony. In 1860 the services of VICTORIA were made available to the New Zealand Governor at the outbreak of the second Anglo-Maori war.
In March 1860, VICTORIA joined HM Ships IRIS, NIGER, CORDELIA, PELORUS, MIRANDA, HARRIER, and ORPHEUS as part of the Australian Squadron. On 1 May 1860, VICTORIA arrived in New Zealand with over 100 troops. VICTORIA was involved in troop transportation, civilian evacuation and saw action at the Makau River. In December, VICTORIA landed a detachment of seamen at Kairu, and assisted the British troops under attack. Later in the month, Matarikoriko Pa was captured, and VICTORIA's troops re-embarked in late January 1861.
In March 1861 VICTORIA returned to service in Victoria. VICTORIA was retired from service in 1864, but returned to survey duties from 1865-1869 and 1873-1877. The vessel was briefly refitted as a warship in 1878 but was decommissioned after six months and eventually retired from government service in 1882. The vessel was broken up at Williamstown, Victoria in 1895.
SignificanceGeoffrey Ingleton completed numerous etchings depicting famous events relating to Australian maritime history. In this work he acknowledges the involvement of HMCS VICTORIA in the first Australian unit to partake in international combat - the second Anglo-Maori War.