John Francis Richardson (1893 - 1953)

Born 21 Jan 1893 in Sale, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Died 16 Aug 1953 at age 60 in Mosman, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

John Richardson is an Anzac who served in World War One.

Biography

Birth

Birth:

Date: 21 January 1893

Place: Sale, Victoria, Australia

John Francis Richardson or Jack as he was known in the small Gippsland community was the son of an avid brass band man, Henry Rockett Richardson. All his sons played some sort of brass instrument and most did service in Australia's Armed Forces, 2 emigrated to California United States and one served in the United States Air Force. In 1913 Australia had 2 new Capital ships about to be Commisioned into the New Australian Navy. One the Battle cruiser HMAS Australia Held the Pride of all Australia, She was to be the Flagship of the Australian Fleet. John Francis was chosen with 6 other Australians, all Victorians to be a Bandsman on Australia's First ship in the new navy and he is one of the first members of what is now the Australian Naval Band.^[1]

14 April 1913 Gippsland Times

Sale Victoria was proud one of their own was serving in Australia's Navy Flagship. But they knew Australia was soon going to war.

26 October 1913 Gippsland Times

HMAS Australia entred Sydney Harbour Bay for the first time leading 7 other ships as the Flagship for the first time 4 October 1913 with the HMAS Australia Bands men playing to thousands of people watching from the shore. By 4 August 1914 Australia was at War.

HMAS Australia

John Francis Richardson was also part of the gun crews which fired only twice in anger during WW1. John was not part of the mutiny of 1 June 1919 in Fremantle aboard HMAS Australia.^[2]

Death

HMAS Australia, her 12 inch guns obsolete and under the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty was scuttled outside Sydney Heads On 12 April 1924. John Francis Richardson Died Mosman, Sydney 16 August 1953 near his Lady.

Sydney Heads, 12 April 1924

Sources

1. ↑ Royal Australian Navy Band The first 100 years.
2. ↑ Australian War Memorial HMAS Australia mutiny June 1, 1919.

• Wikipedia HMAS Australia, Indefatigable-class battlecruiser.

• ABC News HMAS Australia: Royal Australian Navy's first flagship.