Model of the ship HMS SUPPLY

Replica model of the ship HMS SUPPLY.

Launched in 1759, the third HMS SUPPLY was a Royal Navy armed tender that played an important part in the foundation of the Colony of New South Wales. Under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip, SUPPLY was the first ship to arrive in Botany Bay on January 1788 and was also the first ship to sail into Port Jackson after the original Botany Bay landing was found to be unsuitable for establishing the colony.

After the establishment of the initial settlement at Port Jackson, SUPPLY was the link between the colony and Norfolk Island, making 10 trips. Following the loss of Sirius in 1790, she became the colony’s only link with the outside world. On 17 April 1790, she was sent to Batavia for supplies, returning on 19 September, her captain having chartered a Dutch vessel, Waaksamheid, to follow with more stores.

SUPPLY left Port Jackson on 26 November 1791 and sailed via Cape Horn, reaching Plymouth on 21 April 1792.