Robert Johnston (naval officer)
Robert Johnston | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Sydney, Australia |
| Died | September 8, 1882 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Naval officer |
| Years active | Early 19th century (exact years not specified) |
| Known for | One of the earliest Australian-born officers in the British Royal Navy; participation in Battle of Corunna, Siege of Cádiz, War of 1812 |
Captain Robert Johnston of the R.N. (9 March 1792 – 8 September 1882) holds the distinction of being one of the earliest Australian-born officers to serve in the British naval forces. Born in Sydney, he took part in significant military operations such as the Battle of Corunna and the Siege of Cádiz, sustaining a lengthy and active career until his retirement.
Family
Johnston was the offspring of Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston, who led the 1808 Rum Rebellion—noted as the sole successful armed coup in Australian history—and Esther Abrahams, a convict who became his partner in a common-law marriage. The couple had seven children prior to formalizing their union.
Early life and education
Born in Sydney in 1792, Robert Johnston was among the earliest Europeans born within the Australian colony. His father, Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnston of the New South Wales Corps (102nd Regiment), was influential in colonial administration. At seven years old, Robert traveled with his father to England, where he studied at Newington Butts, Surrey, until he was thirteen.
Johnston embarked on his naval career as a first-class volunteer aboard HMS Malabar, marking him as the first Australian-born individual to join the Royal Navy. While serving on Malabar, he took part in the British North Sea fleet’s blockade against Dutch and French vessels near the Texel before the ship was reassigned to transport troops to Monte Video. Subsequently, he served as a midshipman on Namure and later joined the 36-gun frigate Semiramis, operating off the coasts of Spain and Portugal between 1808 and 1810, including involvement at the Battle of Corunna.
Advancing to master's mate on the 74-gun Norge, Johnston participated in the Siege of Cádiz and commanded a rocket boat during an assault on St. Mary's, narrowly escaping death when his vessel was sunk. Alongside another officer, he later captained a crew aboard the captured French 80-gun ship Neptune, escorting her to Majorca for decommissioning. Returning to Norge, he sailed back to England to join Admiral Sir William Young’s fleet operating in the Scheldt.
Johnston then transferred to the 74-gun Asia, flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane on the American station during the War of 1812. Elevated to lieutenant rank, he commanded a despatch vessel and participated in Britain’s capture of Washington. Serving under Sir Peter Parker aboard the frigate Menelaus, he engaged in blockades and attacks near Baltimore, including a nocturnal assault on Moorefields where Parker was killed. Johnston carried dispatches reporting Parker’s death to Admiral Cochrane and resumed duties on Menelaus until after an unsuccessful attack on Baltimore.
Subsequently, he took part in troop landings during attacks on New Orleans and Mobile, assisting with evacuations following British setbacks. With peace established, Johnston received promotion to second lieutenant aboard Asia, cruising off West Florida. Upon returning to England without immediate naval orders, he secured leave to visit family in Sydney in 1816.
During his time in Sydney, Governor Lachlan Macquarie appointed him for exploration missions aboard the Government cutter Schnapper. Johnston’s expedition identified a river locally called Bhundoo, which he renamed the Clyde River. He accompanied Macquarie on inspections of Newcastle and Port Macquarie, where he played a role in preventing the wrecking of the vessel Lady Nelson. Later, as part of an expedition led by Sir John Jamieson aimed at locating the Warragamba River’s source, Johnston persevered through challenging terrain alone to accomplish this objective.
Later life
After the passing of his eldest brother George and his father Lieutenant George Johnston, he contemplated returning to England to continue his naval profession but ultimately decided to stay in Sydney to oversee the family’s interests. Collaborating with his brother David, he prospered in pastoral and farming enterprises, amassing considerable landholdings and properties.
In 1831, he wed the eldest daughter of Joseph Weller from Bucks, England, and together they had seven sons and two daughters. His eldest daughter became the wife of Samuel Dickinson of Learmonth, Dickinson, and Co., while the younger daughter married S. A. Murray from P. N. Russell and Co. Johnston achieved the rank of Commander within the Royal Navy.
Remaining active well into advanced age, Johnston traveled to New Zealand and enjoyed yachting along the New South Wales coast. At 92 years old, he was preparing for a journey back to England.
Death and legacy
Robert Johnston passed away due to natural causes; his funeral at Annandale was attended by approximately 150 relatives and friends, with numerous local residents paying their respects. He was interred on his property near Camperdown and Petersham Road. A naval firing party conducted military funeral honors, including escorting the coffin to the burial site.