Henry Green 1830 - 1918

Soldier Number 1
New South Wales Artillery

The first full time (permanent) soldier in the military forces of the colonies of Australia came from England after 21 years service in the British Army. Henry Green then served for 25 years in the New South Wales Military Forces; he was soldier No. 1.

Henry Green was born 24 January 1830 in the parish of Seaford, Sussex. He died on 30 May 1918 at his home at 55 Mill Hill Road Waverley.

British Army Service

He enlisted in the Royal Artillery at the age of almost 18 (records state 18 years) at Eastbourne, Sussex on 1 December 1847. Henry stated his occupation on enlistment as labourer. He was discharged from the Royal Artillery on 15 December 1868 at Swansea, Wales, having completed 21 years. He was described as being 6 feet tall, having a fair complexion, with dark blue eyes and dark brown hair.

Henry Green was promoted to Bombardier (the equivalent of Lance Corporal) on 21 January 1854, Corporal on 9 May 1855 and Sergeant on 26 January 1856. He served in the Crimea for 6 months, but this was after the cessation of hostilities in 1854. He also served as Sergeant during the Indian Mutiny, serving on the sub-continent from September 1857 to February 1860 and was present during the siege and capture of Delhi. He was awarded the Indian Mutiny campaign medal.

Towards the end of his service in the British Army, when stationed in Wales, he was posted to No. 4 Division Coastal Brigade of the Royal Artillery and was the staff instructor for the First Glamorgan Artillery Volunteers. The Commanding Officer of the Glamorgan Volunteers wrote:

"….his conduct has been unexceptionally good, and further, as chairman of Bishop Gate's Grammar School, I further certify that his conduct as Drill Master has given entire satisfaction."

Service in New South Wales

From January to March 1871, Henry Green is recorded as Staff Sergeant assisting Major Paton, the Ordnance Store Keeper, to mount guns in the forts built on North, South, Middle and Bradley's Heads. These defence works had been ordered by the New South Wales government following the withdrawal of British Garrison troops the previous year. Concern about defence was also raised by circulation of a rumour that a "filibustering" expedition had left San Francisco to raid the coast of the Australian colonies.

The Government also decided to raise a battery of artillery and two companies of infantry for the defence of New South Wales. Henry Green was enlisted on 6 August 1871 as Battery Sergeant Major in the New South Wales Artillery and was allotted Regimental No. 1.

A New South Wales Military Forces Account Book records the service details of Henry Green. Also recorded is his marriage to Susan at London on 25 December 1860 and the births of 5 children, the last of whom, Martha, was born at Victoria Barracks on 13 November 1875.

Henry held the appointment of Battery Sergeant Major until 22 August 1876 when he was appointed Brigade Sergeant Major. At this time the New South Wales Artillery was expanded to two field batteries and these were formed as a Brigade of Field Artillery. Henry Green was the senior soldier of the Brigade.

Service in Sudan

In February 1885, a battery of field artillery, a battalion of infantry and a medical corps detachment was organised and sent to Suakin in the Sudan to assist a British Army expedition in its attempts to recapture Khartoum from the dervishes. Henry Green went with this force and was awarded the Egypt Medal with Suakin 1885 clasp and the Khedive Star.

In June 1885, Henry Green was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer. He retired as Second Lieutenant on 30 September 1896 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on 20 January 1898.

The Boer War

In 1900 and 1901, Henry Green was riding Master for training the New South Wales Bushmen's Contingents for the Boer War.

Residence at Victoria Barracks

During his service, Henry Green's family lived at Victoria Barracks in the main building just near the central archway. William Holmes, staff clerk, and family lived on the other side of that arch. Holmes' son, William (later Major General, and for whom General Holmes Drive is named) married Susan Green. James Green enlisted in the New South Wales artillery in 1876. James later managed the Greenwood Tree Hotel in Oxford Street, opposite Victoria Barracks.

In 1952 two pine trees were planted near the eastern end of the main building in memory of William Holmes and Henry Green.