Free Settler or Felon
John Kidd R. N.,
Convict Ship Surgeon-Superintendent
Date of Seniority Royal Navy 30 September 1828
John Kidd was appointed Assistant-Surgeon on the Hyperion in 1824 [1]
Surgeon-Superintendent
He was employed as Surgeon Superintendent on four convict ship voyages to Australia:1). Whitby to New South Wales in 1839.
2). Egyptian to Van Diemen's Land in 1840
3). Emma Eugenia to Van Diemen's Land in 1841
4). Nile to Van Diemen's Land in 1850
Australia
He arrived with his family as Surgeon Superintendent on the immigrant ship Stebonheath in 1851.[2]Death
John Kidd died at Melbourne in 1853.Obituary
John Kidd died on 1st February at Melbourne age 48. The deceased was admitted a member of the London College of Surgeons August 6th 1824, and a fellow of the same August 26th 1844.He received his medical education at Dublin and Edinburgh and entered as an assistant surgeon in the royal navy at an early age. He was soon promoted to the rank of surgeon and had the honour of serving his country above twenty years. He was distinguished as a cool and steady operator, prompt in his treatment of disease, and skilful in his diagnoses.
He saw much service, and his name is honourably mentioned by Colonel H. Despard, to his Excellency Governor Grey. He was then surgeon on board H.M.S. Castor. On this occasion (an engagement with the rebel chiefs Kawiti and Heke) he and Dr. Pine were the senior medical attendants when a large number of officers and men were either killed or wounded.[3]
References
[1] The Morning Post 5 January 1824[2] Australian Medical Pioneer Index
[3] British Medical Directory