Shep's Place Family Tree

Profile
WILLIAM HENRY PANTER
‎(COMMANDER OF HMVS CERBERUS)‎
AND HIS WIFE
ALICE SETON PANTER,
née MANIFOLD.
By Shirley M. Joy.

Captain Panter
William Henry Panter was born in Laindon, Essex, England about 1841. He was born to Frederick Downes Panter, a Clerk in Holy Orders, and his wife Fanny, née Kennedy. In later life Frederick Panter became the Rector of Thetford, Norfolk.
William Henry Panter went to sea ‎(Royal Navy)‎, at fourteen years of age, whereupon he embarked upon a remarkable and notable career.
Midshipman William Henry Panter age 12
He went out to China with Admiral Keppel in 1855, and served through the whole of the China War. He was in three general engagements, in two of which he volunteered for and served with the storming party. He was, on each occasion mentioned in the despatches, and for this service he received the China medal and two clasps. He was also in several boat actions, and at the age of twenty was appointed by Admiral Sir James Hope acting navigating sub-lieutenant, and to the command of a gun-boat. On that vessel being paid off, Captain Panter was complimented by the senior naval officer at Hong Kong for having brought the vessel safely out of one of the worst typhoons ever known to blow on that coast.
On this occasion he had only five men left out of a crew of thirty, the others having been disabled during the gale. On his arrival in England, he was appointed navigating sub-lieutenant of the Marlborough flagship in the Mediterranean, under Admiral Sir Robert Smart. Soon after joining that ship he was given the command of a gun-boat carrying three guns, which command he retained until he paid her off.
Captain Panter was then promoted to navigating lieutenant, being at that time the junior officer on the station. He afterwards went to England and was appointed to the Naval College for the purpose of studying steam. After this, he went on board the gunnery ship 'Excellent' and, after passing his examinations, joined the Nelson and proceeded to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He remained on board the Nelson until sent home to bring out the Cerberus.
At that time he had passed the following examinations : - Seamanship, navigation and nautical astronomy, pilotage, steam, and modern heavy gunnery, for all of which he held certificates.
Captain Panter exhibited brilliant seamanship during the voyage of the Cerberus from England to Port Phillip, Australia. The Cerberus encountered tremendous weather in the Bay of Biscay, and in fact, bad weather all the way across. For 12 hours the ship was very nearly lost, it was not expected that she would get through it.
Commander of HMVS Cerberus, departed England ... 1870, arrived Port Phillip 9 April 1871