The Voyage of the Lepanto to Australia. & Brig Rita to New Zealand In 1870

In 1870, John Whall, having completed a decade of service in the British Royal Navy, embarked on a daring voyage to the distant lands of Australia and New Zealand. Fuelled by a desire to reunite with family who had settled in Christchurch two decades earlier, John set sail from his quiet Sussex village, navigating treacherous seas and foreign shores.
This diary, penned by John himself, offers a gripping account of his journey. Through his eyes, readers experience the perils and hardships of 19th-century sea travel, the raw beauty of the vast ocean, and the remarkable encounters with fellow voyagers. John's candid reflections capture not just the physical challenges but the emotional toll of leaving home for the unknown.
A fascinating piece of maritime history, this diary transports readers to a time when travel was fraught with danger, adventure, and discovery. For those drawn to tales of exploration and endurance, John's story is a captivating testament to the spirit of adventure that shaped the world as we know it.