The First Fleet, a pivotal expedition in Australian history, consisted of 11 ships that sailed from England to establish the first European settlement in Australia. This fleet, commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip, departed from Portsmouth on May 13, 1787, and arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788, marking the beginning of British colonization in Australia.
The composition of the First Fleet was carefully planned to ensure the successful establishment of a new colony. The 11 ships were divided into different categories based on their purposes and roles during the journey. Here’s a breakdown of the fleet’s composition:
| Ship Category | Number of Ships |
|---|---|
| Royal Navy vessels | 2 |
| Convict transports | 6 |
| Store ships | 3 |
Composition of the First Fleet
The 11 ships of the First Fleet were carefully selected and outfitted for their long journey across the world’s oceans. Each vessel played a crucial role in the success of the expedition. Let’s examine the different categories of ships in more detail:
Royal Navy Vessels
Two Royal Navy ships were assigned to the First Fleet to provide protection, leadership, and naval expertise:
1. HMS Sirius: This was the flagship of the First Fleet, commanded by Captain John Hunter. As a 520-ton sixth-rate vessel, the Sirius was originally armed with ten guns but was later equipped with an additional ten guns for the journey. Captain Arthur Phillip, the leader of the expedition and future governor of New South Wales, sailed on this ship.
2. HMS Supply: An armed tender vessel commanded by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball. The Supply was smaller and faster than the Sirius, often sailing ahead of the main fleet to scout and carry messages.
These naval vessels were crucial for the fleet’s navigation, defense, and overall command structure during the voyage.
Convict Transports
The majority of the First Fleet consisted of six convict transports. These ships were responsible for carrying the prisoners who would form the initial population of the new colony:
1. Alexander
2. Charlotte
3. Friendship
4. Lady Penrhyn
5. Prince of Wales
6. Scarborough
These transport ships were modified merchant vessels, retrofitted to accommodate the large number of convicts they would carry. Conditions on board were often cramped and unsanitary, with prisoners spending much of their time below decks.
Store Ships
To support the establishment of the new colony, three store ships were included in the First Fleet:
1. Borrowdale
2. Fishburn
3. Golden Grove
These vessels carried essential supplies, including food, tools, building materials, and other necessities required to sustain the colony in its early days. The store ships were crucial for the survival of the settlers in the unfamiliar and challenging environment of New South Wales.
The Journey of the First Fleet
The voyage of the First Fleet was an extraordinary maritime achievement, covering over 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) and lasting 252 days. The fleet’s journey can be divided into several key stages:
1. Departure: The fleet left Portsmouth, England, on May 13, 1787.
2. First Stop: They arrived at Santa Cruz, Tenerife, in early June for a week-long resupply.
3. Atlantic Crossing: The fleet then sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, arriving in early August.
4. Second Major Stop: After a month in Rio, they continued to Cape Town, South Africa, reaching it in mid-October.
5. Final Leg: The most challenging part of the journey began as they left Cape Town in November, sailing across the Indian Ocean towards Australia.
6. Arrival: The first ship reached Botany Bay on January 18, 1788, with the rest following over the next two days.
Throughout this long voyage, the fleet faced numerous challenges, including storms, disease, and the constant threat of mutiny among the convicts. Despite these difficulties, the death rate on the First Fleet was remarkably low compared to later convict fleets, a testament to the leadership and planning of Captain Phillip and his officers.
The People of the First Fleet
The First Fleet carried a diverse group of individuals, each playing a unique role in the establishment of the new colony. The total number of people on board was approximately 1,500, divided into several categories:
- Convicts: Between 750-780 convicts, including about 190 women
- Naval and marine officers: Around 200
- Marines: Approximately 245
- Ship crews: About 300-320
- Officials and their families: A small number of government representatives and their dependents
Among the notable figures on the First Fleet were:
- Captain Arthur Phillip: The leader of the expedition and first Governor of New South Wales
- Major Robert Ross: Lieutenant Governor and commander of the marines
- Captain David Collins: Judge Advocate
- John White: Principal Surgeon
- Reverend Richard Johnson: Chaplain
These individuals and many others would play crucial roles in shaping the early years of European settlement in Australia.
Impact and Legacy of the First Fleet
The arrival of the First Fleet marked a significant turning point in Australian history. For the Indigenous peoples of Australia, particularly the Eora nation in the Sydney area, the fleet’s arrival marked the beginning of a period of profound disruption to their traditional way of life.
For the British, the successful journey of the First Fleet represented a major achievement in maritime exploration and colonization. The establishment of the penal colony at Sydney Cove laid the foundation for what would become the nation of Australia.
The legacy of the First Fleet continues to be a subject of discussion and debate in modern Australia. While it marks the beginning of European settlement, it also represents the start of a complex and often troubled relationship between the settlers and the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
FAQs About the First Fleet
- How long did the First Fleet’s journey take?
The journey took 252 days, or about 8 months, from departure to arrival. - How many convicts were on the First Fleet?
There were between 750-780 convicts on the First Fleet. - What was the purpose of the First Fleet?
Its purpose was to establish a penal colony in New South Wales, Australia. - Who led the First Fleet?
Captain Arthur Phillip led the First Fleet and became the first Governor of New South Wales. - When did the First Fleet arrive in Australia?
The First Fleet arrived at Botany Bay between January 18-20, 1788.