John Moresby

Who was John Moresby?

Captain John Moresby was a British Naval Officer who explored the coast of New Guinea and discovered the site of Port Moresby.

Moresby was born in Allerford, Somerset, England, the son of Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. He joined the Navy at an early age as a Volunteer 1st Class in HMS Victor, and rose to be in charge of the 1,031 ton paddle steamer cruiser HMS Basilisk in which he made hydrological surveys around eastern New Guinea. During the survey of the southern coast he discovered the harbour which he named Fairfax after his father. The town established there, based on already existing native villages was named Port Moresby and is now the nation's capital.

John Moresby was also searching for a shorter route between Australia and China and on the eastern tip of the island he discovered the China Straits. He continued exploring along the north west coast as far as the Huon Gulf.

On 29 September 1876, Moresby took command of HMS Endymion, remaining in this position until 6 March 1878.

He was later promoted to Rear Admiral and died on 12 July 1922 in Fareham, Hampshire, England.