The Flying Squadron in Sydney Harbour in 1869

The 1869-1870 cruise of the British Royal Navy's Flying Squadron was the first of its kind 'to visit all our distant shores'. Rear Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby (after whom the Hornby lighthouse is named) was the Commander-in-Chief of the British Pacific Fleet at the time and led the cruise which left England on 19 June 1869 and arrived back on 15 November 1870 having visited South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Hawaii and South America (again). During this time each ship and each crew member (officer and sailor alike) was put through thorough training and naval exercises. Other purposes of the Squadron's cruise was to show the British flag in the colonies and cement British naval power around the world. This painting shows the Squadron in Sydney Harbour where they spent 14 days.