Early Life
Born on 26 May 1842 in Dover, England, John was the son of a chemist and druggist. The family home and shop were close to the Snargate Street entrance to the early 19th century Grand Shaft; a triple spiral staircase leading to the upper fortifications.
Defence Engineer
In 1882 John was appointed Military Surveyor of the Department of Public Works, Victoria and assistant to Major Scratchley RE, Defence Advisor to the Australian Colonies. With Major Scratchley’s returning for England in April 1883 John was appointed Engineer-in-charge of the Defence Works Branch, leaving him responsible for the construction of Fort Queenscliff, Fort Swan Island and Fort Nepean to defend Port Phillip Bay.
“The beauty of his engineering plans lie in the artistic draughtsman ship and watercolour use which are clearly visible in his Victorian fortifications drawings.” Engineers Australia
Constructing Albany’s Fortress
In 1891 John arrived in Albany to commence building the Fortress and first set about establishing the coastal defence’s gun pits and underground magazines.
In February 1892 he called for tenders for the construction of the Barracks and Recreation Room, which provided an economic boost for Albany. Built by Innes and Knutsen with Jarrah timber weatherboard and iron roof, the original buildings were called the Albany Barracks.
Recognition
John died on the 7 January 1911 in St Kilda, Victoria. He is remembered for his engineering achievements in the National Arboretum Canberra’s Freefall Pin Oak Forest where tree 299 has been planted in his honour. In 1988 as part of the Australian Bicentennial a plaque of recognition was placed at the entrance to the Princess Royal Fortress Underground Magazine as well as a marker point on the summit of Mt Adelaide.

Keywords

British Empire Defence

DEAKIN Alfred MP Prime Minister

Brochures,postcards,letter

Princess Royal Fortress

Place made

Australia

Year

c. 1906

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Scientific or research significance