The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Burnett, Commodore William Farquharson
Burnett, Commodore William Farquharson, C.B., entered the Royal Navy in June 1838, and became Captain in Nov. 1854. In July 1855 he was created C.B., and in July 1862 was appointed Commodore on the Australian Station. On Feb. 7th, 1863. he perished in the wreck of H.M.S. Orpheus off Manukau, New Zealand, when out of a crew of 260 only 70 were saved.