George Bass
Table of Contents
Oceanography, as we know it today, is a science that comprises multiple disciplines, ranging from biological oceanography and the study of plate tectonics to the chemical study of the water in the oceans, with pioneers such as the British George Bass paving the way for this multi-faceted discipline. His explorations of the Australian Continent and of the waters surrounding the continent are considered to be among the most important discoveries made by explorers. Here are a few of his voyages and discoveries.
George Bass joined the Royal Navy in 1794. He was working as a surgeon when his ship, the Reliance, set sails for Australia for the first time. He brought with him a smaller boat on the Reliance – the 8-foot keel and the 5-foot beam was small
enough to allow for easy transportation and to give Bass and other members of the crew enough mobility to be able to explore. They organized two voyages on the Tom Thumb, one in 1795 and one the following year. Numerous discoveries are linked to the name of George Bass and his first journeys on the Tom Thumb. He was accompanied on his journeys by Matthew Flinders, one of the most important cartographers and navigators of all times. Together they were the first explorers to ever circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a separate continent. They covered more than 18,000 miles and charted the Australian coastline with accuracy, finding land suitable for settlement.
George Bass went on another journey in 1797 – this time without Flinders. His explorations of the South Coast brought about numerous important discoveries again: he charted as much as 300 miles of previously unknown coastline.
Bass had long suspected that the Australian mainland was separated by Tasmania by a strait. In 1798 he set off on a third journey, with Flinders again, to prove this theory. The crew led by Bass and Flinders undertook incredible hardships and dangers during the journey, but their efforts were rewarded: they proved the existence of the opening between New South Wales and Tasmania (then known as Van Diemen’s Land).Besides being a fearless seaman, George Bass was an enthusiastic botanist as well, and he was the scientist to first describe the wombat, too, so his wide ranging scientific interests certainly contributed immensely to what natural sciences are today.
The Exploits and Adventures of George Bass: Navigating the Seas of Australian History
Early Life and Education of George Bass
George Bass was born on 30 January 1771 in Aswarby, a small village in Lincolnshire, England. From a young age, Bass displayed an intense passion for the sea and its vast expanse. He took to his studies diligently, focusing on medicine at the notable Guys Hospital in London. However, the lure of the ocean was never far, and soon after obtaining his medical credentials, Bass joined the British Royal Navy, intertwining his medical expertise with his love for seafaring.
Voyages Down Under: The Australian Connection
Upon joining the navy, George Bass was assigned to the HMS Reliance. In 1795, this vessel made its way to New South Wales. The journey was significant, not just for Bass but for the world of maritime exploration. Accompanied by Matthew Flinders, Bass embarked on several expeditions that would etch their names into the annals of history.
The Discovery of Bass Strait
One of the most significant contributions of George Bass was the discovery of the strait separating Tasmania from mainland Australia. In 1798, Bass and Flinders circumnavigated Tasmania in the sloop Norfolk, proving the existence of the strait. In honour of this monumental discovery, it was aptly named the Bass Strait. This discovery not only changed maritime routes but also significantly impacted the map of Australia.
Endeavours Beyond Australia
While Australia was the primary focus of his explorations, Bass’s adventurous spirit took him to other shores. He ventured into the waters of New Zealand and even explored parts of the South Pacific. Each voyage was marked by meticulous documentation, contributing immensely to Europe’s knowledge about these regions.
The Mysterious Disappearance
George Bass’s illustrious maritime career is, unfortunately, marked by a shroud of mystery. In 1803, Bass set sail for South America, and he was never heard from again. Despite numerous theories, his exact fate remains an enigma, adding to the legend that surrounds this eminent explorer.
Legacy and Contribution to Maritime Exploration
George Bass’s influence extends beyond just the discovery of the Bass Strait. His detailed charts and journals provide an invaluable insight into the seascape and geography of the regions he explored. He was a pioneer in the truest sense, pushing boundaries and expanding horizons.
