Royal Marine History at Somerset Cape York

The Royal Marines were posted on Garrison at Somerset Town Cape York, a new settlement from August 1864 until July 1867. Secondment to Somerset began on the 7th January 1864 at Portsmouth England and ended with the officer and four men to Sheerness England on 18 December 1867. Seven Marines had chosen to remain in Australia. Posted on strength were one officer, one Sargent, one Corporal and nineteen Private’s. A twentieth Private from the support ship H.M.S.S Salamander Detachment joined their ranks after three Marines received  spear wounds and two were evacuated for medical treatment. Private Saich died of his wounds in Sydney and was was buried there. The Royal Marines were selected for their different skills and abilities and the contribution these men would make to the construction, maintenance and defence of the settlement. Five Marines were recorded as receiving spear wounds during their time of service at Somerset while one Marine George Tucker evacuated is confirmed died in Sydney and is buried in Sydney. Two others are recorded buried at Somerset, one dying from an infected spear wound and one dying from tropical decease. Their names are not recorded with the referenced report. Two Marines are also recorded to have died of decease from the Salamander Marine Detachment supporting the Garrison. One believed buried at sea George Winter and one buried at Brisbane, Edward Wigfall.

The Marine Plaque location was placed on the Queensland Heritage Register on the 25th January 2018 recorded as Somerset Grave Site ( Somerset Jardine Cemetery ) ID: 650072 see attached link.

https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=650072

Rodney Morrison