HMS Sirius from Baltic trader to colonial lifeline

Sirius began as Berwick, a merchant ship built for the Baltic or Eastern trade, and entered Royal Navy service in 1781. She was nominally rated as a sixth rate so that a post-captain could command her, although she carried only ten guns. Arthur Phillip transferred to Supply at Cape Town, leaving John Hunter in command of Sirius. The ship carried the Larcum Kendall K1 chronometer used on Cook's second and third voyages and reached Botany Bay after more than 15,000 miles by way of Rio de Janeiro and the Cape. When Botany Bay proved unsuitable, Sirius followed the move to Sydney Cove. She later sailed to the Cape for flour and other supplies before being wrecked while landing stores at Norfolk Island.