George Broad 1844–1915
Simon’s research has uncovered the varied halfcentury career of one member of the Royal Navy
George Broad is a good example of how a lifetime’s career can be traced in naval records. He joined the Navy in 1860, aged 16, to train as a ship’s master. A master was a navigator, responsible for plotting and maintaining the ship’s course. George quickly impressed his superiors – being described as trustworthy, zealous and highly capable – and was promoted to lieutenant.
As his career progressed, George’s skills and character came to the attention of many senior officers. He was described as “watchful, and with a nerve becoming a naval officer of executive responsibility” and as “a first class navigator and a perfect gentleman”.
The Navy earmarked George for royal duties, where his ability and discretion were vital. He took command of HMS Elfin, which carried dispatches between the Government and Queen Victoria’s residences. However, a higher accolade was to come: command of the royal yacht, Alberta.
By now promoted to captain, George became responsible for the safety of the sovereign whenever she travelled by sea. She rewarded him by appointing him a member of her Royal Victorian Order – a private and personal honour.
When Victoria died at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight in 1901, George had the distinction of conveying her body to the mainland.
George retired in 1904, aged 60, on a pension of £450 per year, but agreed to tend the Royal Yacht for another eight years. He died in 1915, after 52 years’ service, and by then was relatively wealthy, leaving over £1,000 to his wife Janet.