Royal Australian Navy
Nancy Bentley
In 1920 the then six-year-old Nancy suffered a snake bite on the shores of Port Arthur, Tasmania. The nearest medical help was many miles away and in desperation, Nancy’s father rowed her to HMAS Sydney (I) which was anchored in Carnarvon Bay. The regulations at the time did not allow for civilians to be administered medical treatment on board one of His Majesty’s warships. Due to the seriousness of the situation and to avoid legal complications, the quick-thinking ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Henry Cayley ordered that Nancy Bentley be formally enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy. This was duly done and her official rating was noted as ‘mascot’ and her period of service was annotated as 'until fed up'. First aid was quickly administered before Sydney transported Nancy to Hobart where she received further medical treatment. The warship later returned to Port Arthur where Nancy was officially ‘discharged’ from the Navy following eight days service. The reason for discharge is recorded as 'being required by her parents'.