IDENTITY STATEMENT Reference: PR79
Title:
Edward Fitzgerald Collection
Level of description:
fonds
Date:
1905-2016
Extent:
1 box (27 items)
CONTEXT
Creator
Fitzgerald, Edward | fl.1913 | C.P.O. British Royal Navy | Tower Farm, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
Biographical/Administrative History Edward Fitzgerald (29 Oct 1876 - 17 Jan 1958) was an officer of the British Royal Navy, born in Curraghbinny, Crosshaven, Cork. The family later lived at Tower Farm, Ringaskiddy. Fitzgerald joined the navy on 13 Jan 1893, and served on a number of navy ships in the 1890s and early 1900s, including HMS Cambridge at Devonport in 1896, HMS Magdala at Mumbai (Bombay) in 1898, HMS Aquarius 1909, and HMS Hood at Cobh (Queenstown) in 1911. In the years immediately preceding and during World War I, Fitzgerald served as Chief Petty Officer on the battle crusier HMS New Zealand from Nov 1912 to March 1919 when he was discharged from service. Fitzgerald's navy service aboard H.M.S. New Zealand included a high profile world tour of 45,000 miles, leaving Portsmouth 6 Feb 1913 and sailing to New Zealand via South Africa. After leaving Portsmouth, the ship called at a number of ports, including St Vincent, Ascension, Capetown, Durban, Melbourne, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, Auckland, Lyttelton, Akaroa, Timaru, Oamaru, Otago Heads, Bluff, Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, Nelson, Picton, Wanganui, and New Plymouth. This was a significant voyage, designed to promote the new battle cruiser ship, and showcase the strength of the British navy. H.M.S. New Zealand was manned by 50 officers and 739 men, including Chief Petty Officer Edward Fitzgerald. A known painter, Fitzgerald was tasked with making official drawings of the ship after the designated artist did not arrive for duty.
Fitzgerald retired with his family in County Cork, and is buried in Barnahely Cemetery, Ringaskiddy.
Archival History Collection kept by family, with material passing to Edward Fitzgerald's daughter.
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