Out earliest Australian import was John Thorpe, sentence to life here in 1836 aged 23.
Here is an extract from his court martial.
John Thorpe (Thorp), Military Convict
2nd Battalion 1st Royal Regiment of Foot
By the right Honourable Charles Kinsal Bicske,
Lord Chief Justice of Ireland.
Whereas it is notified down in writing by the General Commanding in Chief that John
Thorp a private soldier of the Second Battalion of the First (or Royal) Regiment of
Foot was by need at a General Court Marshal holden at the Royal Barracks, Dublin
on the Twenty-sixth day of February One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-six
tried and found guilty upon the following charges
Vide licet “For being absent without leave from tattoo roll call at Enniskillen on or
about the night of the 3rd February, 1836 and not returning until brought back by the
party sent in search of him at or about half past eight o’clock the same night.
For insubordinate conduct at Enniskillen on or about 3rd February, 1836 in having
when ordered to the guards room made use of disgusting language towards Colour
Sergeant William Sineth No. 219 Light Company 2nd Battalion The Royal.
For Making away with or losing through neglect between 30th January and 3rd
February, 1836 the following articles of his regimental necessaries viz.
one pair of boots 8/- and one shirt 4/- amounting in all to twelve shillings.
For insubordinate and outrageous conduct towards Lieutenant Augustus Howard
Ormsby 2nd Battalion the Royal the Subaltern of the day in the execution of his duty at
Enniskillen on or about 5th February, 1836 in telling him he did not give a damn for
him and throwing the bread brought for his breakfast into the Barrack Square after
the said Lieutenant Augustus Howard Ormsby 2nd Battalion or Royal.
For insubordinate and outrageous conduct towards Sergeant John Gordon No. 393
No. 2 Company 2nd Battalion of the Royal the Sergeant of the Guard in execution of
his duty at Enniskillen on or about 3rd February, 1836 and crushing his hand in a
threatening position and telling the said Sergeant John Gordon to be off with himself
and that he would kick him if he could get at him and throwing his bread at him and
striking him with it, the said Sergeant John Gordon “For having at Enniskillen on or
about fifth February, 1836 would for offering violence to Sergeant John Gordon No.
393 No. 2 Company 2nd Battalion the Royal when in the execution of his duty to be
sentenced to be transported as a felon for the term of his natural life and whereas
Caution of the said Court Material the King intends should be carried into Execution
I do therefore herby order and direct that the said John Thorp be transported as a
felon to New South Wales for the said term of his natural life pursuant to said
sentence and his Majesty’s pleasure thereupon as aforesaid and according to the
statute in such case made and dated this 28th day of March 1836.