The following memoirs were transcribed from the original hand-written document written by William Pidcock, a former member of the 11th Regiment. All spelling is as used by Pidcock. The narrative is written by William Pidcock about Sydney in the 1840s, and the mutiny by the 99th Regiment in 1845 over the abolition of the daily grog allowance made to soldiers on foreign posting. The mutiny, that lasted for approximately four weeks, came to an end when the rebels learnt of 400 troops of the 11th Regiment of Foot brought from Hobart Town to quell their insurrection. Troops were brought from Tasmania (VDL) aboard the ship "Tasmania". The 99th Regiment were relieved of duty in Sydney in late 1847, being ordered to Van Dieman's Land to await joining by its outlying detachments. As soon as another regiment arrived to relieve them from duty the entire 99th Regiment was ordered to India instead of returning to England, as punishment for their conduct.
Of William Pidcock, a member of the 11th Regiment when in NSW, I have learned little thus . He clearly stayed in Australia, because over 60 years after the events of 1845 described below, William was one of three ex-members of the 11th Regiment to post a memorial to their long-deceased General of the 11th Regiment, shown below. It demonstrates that he was born around 1817. The memoriam is interesting in the context of the death notice in an earlier post noting that the last of the 11th regiment veterans died in 1913:
The Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday 8 January 1907
BLOOMFIELD. — In everlasting remembrance of our good General H. K. Bloomfield, who arrived in Sydney with the XI (North Devon) Regiment, January 8, 1846, died in Paris January 8, 1870, aged 74 years. Good general, yes, you ever proved to be, One worthy to be kept in memory. Inserted by William Pidcock, in his 90th year; Thomas Regan, 90 years; Manning Harvey, 89 years; John Lawler, 81 years; James Lees, 79 years, Woodstock, Glenmore-road, Paddington, N.S. Wales.
The transcript provides a lively description of the events relating to the passage of the 11th to Sydney in response to the mutiny, and of Sydney itself. The transcript's opening passage also suggests William pensioned out of the 11th in 1857:
In compliance to a special
request, of a visitor to Australia, to write a short narrative of events
brought under my notice
and observation in connection with my military career in Australia during the
interval of 1845 and 1857, I herein submit the following viz. The old military
quarters in Sydney were known as the George' s Square Barracks, covered an area
now occupied by large and modern buildings, pleasure ground, streets, and
spaces, including, Wynyard Square, portions of the western side of George
Street and eastern side of Clarence Street, from Barrack Street to Margaret
Street. The entrance gate to said barracks were situated as Follows, viz.
1. The main
gate, with Guard-room. On the western side of George Street; At junction of
York and Barrack Streets.
2. At northern
boundary near to Petty' s Hotel and the Scot's Church; the latter a very plain
but substantial building erected many years ago under the auspices of the Revd
John Dunmore Lang D., a celebrated divine, and able politician, whose labours,
and self-denial for the benefit of his adopted country are recorded, and will
be remembered in connection with the annals of the Australian Colonies, more
especially those of N. S. Wales . Amongst the various incidents of Soldier life
in Sydney were those which occurred in the said barracks towards the end of the
year 1845. viz: the unfortunate demonstration of insubordination, and mutinous
conduct of the rank and file of the Head Quarter Companies of the 99th Regiment
there stationed, under the command of Liue't Colonel Despard, and was madly
intended by the said soldiers, as a protest against the discontinuance of the
daily allowance of grog previously supplied to troops on foreign service.
Those of the 99th as
before mentioned were so irritated and rebellious as to forget their
obligations to
their Queen and
country, by refusing to obey the lawful commands of their Officers, or to
perform any further Garrison or Regimental duty. L't Despard, as in duty bound
reported the occurrence to L't General Sir Maurice O'Connell, then commanding
the troops in the Australian colonies, and residing in Sydney. Who there upon,
and in view of remonstration with the men, proceeded at once, accompanied by
his staff Officers, to the barracks, and endeavoured to dissuade the men from
continuing a course so unsoldierlike and disgraceful, \par which if persisted
in, would bring dishonour upon the regiment and condign punishment upon
themselves which in part could be avoided by an immediate and peaceful return
to duty. His efforts however were of no avail; they persisted in their demand
for a restoration of what they deemed, and termed, their rights. He then
threatened, that failing compliance, obedience must be enforced, and that in
case of absolute necessity, he would request permission of His Excellency the
Governor, to arm the convicts at Cockatoo Island, and march them against the
mutineers, at which threat, the men became exasperated and rushed thence into
their barrack-rooms, took up their arms & accoutrements and returned to the
barrack Square, assuming menace towards the General and his officers,
compelling them to leave the barracks; to their deep humiliation and disgust,
which was also very keenly felt by the Colonel and Officers of the 99 th
"HM Ship Havanna was
at the time at anchor in the Sydney harbour; the Commander of which, had, it appears been
appealed to for help, but declined to interfere in the matter. The General in
his dilemma then forwarded a dispatch r to Lt Col; Bloomfield of the XI Reg' t
who with the Head Quarters of his Corps was stationed at Hobart Town. Van
Diemans Land (now Tasmania) having arrived there from England on 14th Dec1845,
directing him to proceed, with as many of his officers and men as could be
spared, to Sydney without delay for the purpose of disarming the mutineers of
the Head Quarters of the 99 th Reg t Accordingly the barque "Tasmania"
under command of Capt Black, then anchored in Hobart Town Harbour, was at once
chartered, and the H / Quarter Companies consisting of officers and 400 rank
and file, embarked therein for Sydney.
The Colonel and his
Officers, very judiciously kept the men in ignorance of the object of the
General's command until
the third day at sea, when he assembled his men on deck, and in a very feeling
manner informed them of the painful duty they were called upon to perform,
which under the ci rcumstances, was most repugnant to the feelings of a true
British soldier. He kindly, and in a fatherly manner, exhorted them to be calm,
obedient, and trustful, and to exhibit their usual characteristics of true
loyalty and soldierly conduct. He hoped that the object to be gained would be
accomplished without bloodshed. To which address the men gave a hearty
response, assuring the Colonel that they would stand by him and his officers in
any emergency. They were now in sight of Sydney Heads, but shortly afterwards, a
very strong head-wind set in, and grew in strength until it assumed the
character of a gale and kept the vessel tacking about in open sea during seven
additional days, thus lengthening the time of \par the voyage to ten days. The
ship " Havanna ", before alluded to, had in the mean time sailed from
Sydney, and during the gale, hove in sight of the " Tasmania" , which
latter vessel then signaled to the former, for information or assistance, but
without effect, thereby causing general surprise under the circumstances.
The 99th Having by some
means been informed of the determined attitude of the General, and of a vessel conveying
troops, having been sighted some distance outside of the Heads, deemed it
desirable, as a matter of expediency to submit t o authority, and offered to
return to duty, and orderly conduct. The proposal thus offered through and
urged by Col. Despard, was graciously conceded to by the General, who
notwithstanding his leniency deemed it his duty at once to forward a report of
the circumstances to the Secretary at War in London, and to wait Her Majesty' s
pleasure. The H Quarter of the XI th . arrived in Sydney harbour on 8 th
January 1846, and landed with all speed by means of lighters at the wharf known
as the Commissariat Wharf, where they formed into a line, and marched four
deep, with fixed bayonets, along George Street; the band playing "Paddy
will you now to the barracks main gate". The Colonel then finding the said
gate closed, demanded, in a very authorative manner, the gate be opened wide:
The command was at once responded to by a sentinal of the 99th presented arms,
and called , Guard turn out. The sentinals call was at once obeyed by the guard
99th. then on duty who presented arms to Col Bloomfield, his officers and
soldiers as they marched past the guard into the Barrack Square amidst the
cheers of Officers and men, together with the women and children of the 99 th
who together with as many of citizens as could possibly gain admission into the
barrack grounds who g ave the XIth. a most hearty welcome.
Thus ended, to the
gratification of all concerned, what might reasonably have been expected from
preceeding
circumstances, a calamtous and ignominious mutiny, but was providentially
frustrated. The stain however on t he character of those who caused and took
part in the dishonorable, and mutinous transaction still remains on record
against an otherwise brave and noble regiment, and will probably so re main
when generations, yet unborn, shall have passed away. The principal building of
Sydney at the period above referred to were comparatively few an in point of
style and architecture, of a primitive character, and totally insignificant
(with few exceptions) in relationship to the numerous, and stately structures,
\par which now adorn this fair city and suburbs. I may here mention a few of
the old buildings, at the period above mentioned: Nearly opposite to the
barrack main gate, stood a cottage with green palisade in front; this was then
known as the Bank of N. S. Wales .
A little further south was
the old General--Post Office, of limited space and dimensions, this is now
replaced by a very large
and massive building, extending from George' St . to Pitt Street and fronting a
new and very wide street, running from George Street to Pitt, and Castlereagh
Streets. Further south, and on the western side of George Street from Market
Street to Druitt Street, stood the old market, and the Police Court building,
the whole of which space is now occupied by a most magnificent ornamental and
very costly building named the Queen Victoria Market. Still further south,
between Druitt and Bathurst Streets, the site of the old C -of-England burial
ground, have been erected two most noble buildings viz:
1 St Andrew's
Cathedral close to Bathurst Street and fronting George Street.
2 The Sydney
Town Hall, a magnificent, extensive and ornamental edifice; the public hall
which is capable of seating at the least 4,000 people, with ease and comfort.
In the western gallery to its full extent has been erected one of the most
costly and the largest pipe organs in the world. An experienced organist is
employed by the City Council to manipulate said organ for the pleasure and
benefit of the citizens and visitors. On Church Hill opposite to Perry' s Hotel
stands t he old and very plain structure, the Scott's Church as before alluded
to At a short distance from the Scott's Church stood the venerable pile, St
Phillip's old Church, with this round tower, where the Ven Archdeacon of
Cumberland, Rev Cowper, during the greater part of his long life, in the most
zealous, and affectionate manner, appealed to the hearts of his many hearers,
and parishioners; his labours were successful and highly appreciated. The old
church has been pulled down, and a new and modern structure erected at a little
distance westward of the old site to a few yards distant from St Phillip's old
Church, is a very neat and modern structure, St Patrick's, Roman Catholic
Church in the basement of which is the St Patrick's Hall, where the well known,
and welcome voice of that very earnest, and faithful apostle of temperance,
The Very Reverand Dean
McEncroe, was heard appealing to the crowds, who weekly assembled there to consecrate their
service to the cause of temperance, and use their endeavours to s tem the
torrents of iniquity and crime resulting from the indulgence of intoxication.
He being dead, yet speaketh by the zeal and energy of those, who through his
instrumentality were plucked as brands from the burning. To each of the churches
on Church Hill the soldiers quartered in the old barracks, (when off duty) were
marched, according to their respective creeds, and headed by their Regimental
Bands, every Sunday in the forenoon. St James' (English) Church the spire of
which was once a well known land mark, is situated near to the head of King
Street, and figures highly in Colonial history, being one of the oldest
churches in Sydney. A short distance eastward of (St James's English) Church
the spire of which was once a well known land mark, is situated near to the
head of King Street, and figures highly in Colonial history, being one of the
oldest churches in Sydney. A short distance eastwards of St James's, was
situated the Roman Catholic pro-cathedral, a wooden structure for some time and
during the erection of a massive and noble stone structure, large, extensive
and attractive, also an ornament to the City.
Vast numbers of worshipers
are congregated to herein at every sacred service and ceremony. The
Wesleyan Church
in York Street then, (in 1846) was considered to be an excellent building, has
of late years given place to a larger and more modern structure including
spacious Hall & camp; Church, adapted for classes, instruction, & camp;
and for Divine Service. \par The Head Quarters of the XIth. Regiment spent a
happy period of one year in the old barracks, performing, in turn with the 99th
Garrison and Regimental duties, in such a manner as to secure the entire
confidence of the Military Authorities, and by good conduct and deportment, the
highest respect of the citizens, together with the good will of the 99th I may
here mention as an episode, that prior to the arrival of the Xith in Sydney the
citizens, subject to an order given by Lt Col Despard, were prohibited, when
entering the barracks, from walking on any part of the grass-covered area. By
such disallowance they had it appears, a long experience of disappointment and
annoyance.
Lt Colonel Bloomfield who
ever issued a regimental order, that on no portion of the ground fronting the quarters of the
XIth were the citizens to be prevented walking on the grass, especially during
the time the Bands of either regiment was playing in the Rotundra, which was
situated on the parade ground directly in front of the quarters occupied by the
Xith Such liberty being the undoubted right of the respectable citizens and
visitors. As a recognition of the good conduct of his soldiers Lt Col.
Bloomfield and his officers gave a sumptuous dinner to them, their wives, and
children, and to their friends, and at the conclusion thereof, an entertainment
consisting of old English sports, games, and other amusements, which the men of
the XIth then off duty were invited to share. The invitation was gratefully
accepted, and tended to cement the good will of all to each other. I may add
that the barrack grounds were thrown open to the public without distinction
during the entertainment, and Lt Col. Despard cancelled hid Regimental orders
which prevented the citizens from walking on the grass.
On the 6th January
1847, the Head Quarter Companies of the XI th. were under orders to embark for
Van Dieman' s Land, in the ship "Java" for Launceston, which
immediately took place, and after 3 days sail, they arrived safely at their
destination, and there remained until August 1848. When they received orders to
sail again for Sydney. Previous to their departure the residents of Launceston
publicly expressed their regret, at the removal of such well conducted
soldiers, who, during their stay had won the respect and esteem of the people.
From good authority, it appears, that many of the people of Sydney petitioned
General Wynyard the then Commander of the troops in Australia, for the return
of Head Quarters of the Xith . to Sydney and to occupy the new Victoria
Barracks, suggesting that the remaining companies of the Regiment, then
stationed at penal settlements in various parts of V/D Land, and in Norfolk
Island should rejoin the H/Quarters after being relieved by detachments from
other regiments.
The General' s consent
subject to the approval of His Excellency the Governor was at once conceded to. pleasant sail of
three days the Head Quarter Companies \par landed in Sydney when Lt Col.
Bloomfield, After a with the Officers and Soldiers, proudly march to their new
quarters as the first regiment in H. M Service that occupied the Victoria
Barracks, being highly welcomed by the citizens of Sydney. The 99 th Reg/t. in
the mean time was under orders for V/D Land, and sailed there unto,
subsequently joined by its outlying detachments. After a shot period a regiment
having arrived in that colony from England, the 99 th . were thereby relieved;
having received orders from the military authorities in London to embark for
India instead of England, where they had fully hoped to return. Such however
was the out come of the rash and mutinous conduct of the Head Quarters rank and
file of that regiment to share the punishment inflicted for the grave offence
of those who took part in the fracas
During the occupation of
the Victoria Barracks by the XIth Regiment, there occurred one of the most important events
that ever took place in the history of N. S. Wales viz:- the discovery of gold,
and the very successful labour s of thousands of people who obtained much of
the rich ore. The very able and effectual manner in which Lt Col. Bloomfield
kept his men together, under the prevailing and intense excitement, and the
very tempting inducements held out, was indeed most remarkable and
praiseworthy. One of the secrets of his success lay in his very able, and
humane administration. He gave to the soldiers every possible indulgence
(compatible with reason and the requirements of duty) by permitting them to
work at such trades , or callings, as they were capable of performing, in, or
out of barracks (when off duty) thus enabling them to earn money for
themselves, and encouraging them to place all or any portion of such earnings
as they could afford into the regimental Savings Bank, which had been
established for the Soldier' s future benefit. He placed implicit confidence in
all under his command. His consideration for them was like unto that of a good
father, and was duly reciprocated by their loyal adherence to and confidence in
their Colonel.
The sobriety and general
good conduct of the men was most remarkable. He frequently expressed himself as proud of his
Regiment; and thus gained a popularity of which very few of the Commanding
Officers in Her Majestys Service have maintained amongst those under their
command at such a trying time under similar circumstances. There are and have
been many noble Officers in Her Majesty' s Service, of various ranks, who have
distinguished themselves by bravery exemplary, and moral conduct, and have
exercised an influence for good over those under their command or control, but
who probably could never have so long endured un wearily and successfully
carried out, during a long period of trial and anxiety the temptations and
influence which surrounded his Soldiers, as did Col Bloomfield. His memory
therefore is stamped upon the hearts of those faithful men whose affection for
their Commander, will remain unshaken while life shall last, and deeply
impressed upon the minds of their offspring and friends, to whom these facts
have been revealed
In September 1857 the Xith
. were under orders to embark for England. Many of the Soldiers being
desirous of
remaining in the Colonies where they had formed strong attachments, were
permitted so to do. Colonel Bloomfield after arrival in England with his
regiment was, for his good and able administration, rewarded, by promotion to
the rank of Major General the last page of the narrative is missing. The finish
of this paragraph and the completion of the narrative is taken from the rough
draft of the narrative written by William Pidcock and is as follows and
subsequently to that of Lt General & appointment as Aid-de-Camp to Her
Majesty the Queen. Many of his officers, Non Commissioned Officers and private
Soldiers also received suitable promotion.
June 25th 1894
