The Journey of the First Fleet

By s21008623

  • The First Fleet left Portsmouth

    The First Fleet left Portsmouth with 772 convicts: 568 men, 191 women, 13 children. There were 247 Royal Marines (soldiers), 210 Royal Navy Sailors, 233 Merchant Seaman, 20 Civil Officers (lawyers, administrators, doctors, clergymen) as well as 27 wives and 19 children.
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    The Journey of the First Fleet

  • Anchored at Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.

    During the week's stay, the locals came to the harbour to sell their wares. The officers bought fresh meat, figs and barrels of fresh water.
    While at the port, a convict named John Powers escaped from the Alexander. He was soon recaptured and Phillip ordered that he be flogged and placed in double irons.

  • The Fleet sailed into Rio de Janeiro.

    The fleet stayed in Rio de Janeiro for one month. The ships were cleaned and the convicts examined to avoid the spread of further diseases.
    The officers would row to shore to buy supplies. They bought tropical fruit like guavas, pineapples, bananas, coconuts and oranges and fresh beef. The convicts were in a better condition than they were before they sailed from England - this was due to the fresh fruit.

  • The fleet arrived at Cape Town.

    There were strong winds during the journey between Rio de Janneiro and Cape Town. It was discovered that HMS Sirius had a rotten hull.
    When they reached Cape Town ships were repaired immediately and more supplies were bought.

  • The fleet left the Cape of Good Hope.

    At this point Captain Arthur Phillip transferred from the HMS Sirius to the faster HMS Supply, in order to reach the colony as soon as possible.
    Before leaving the fleet bought more animals and food. They celebrated Christmas Day in the Indian Ocean with plum pudding and an extra ration of wine.

  • HMS Supply arrives at Botany Bay.

    HMS Supply was the first ship from the fleet to arrive in Botany Bay.

  • All of the ships from the First Fleet anchor in Botany Bay.

    Captain Phillip found the area of Botany Bay unsuitable and set off to explore the harbour.

  • Britain's sovereignty proclaimed at Sydney Cove.

    Captain Arthur Phillip proclaims Britain's sovereignty at Sydney Cove. There was a small celebration with the Union Jack being raised and a toast was made.
    This day is now known as Australia Day. Some first Australians called this day Invasion Day.