Domestic 1st Class George Figgins was born in Portsea in January 1823 and entered the Royal Navy as a Landsman aboard H.M.S. Illustrious in August 1841. Thereafter, other than a year or two as an Ordinary Seaman at the start of his career, he appears to have held a succession of domestic appointments, namely as Ward Room Steward, Officer's Steward or Cook, including service in the Baltic and Crimea operations aboard H.M. Ships Penelope, St. Vincent and Boscawen, and a stint aboard the Warrior between 1861-62. Figgins joined H.M.Y. Victoria and Albert in April 1870 and remained in her service until being pensioned in August 1880, his L.S. and G.C. Medal being awarded in the same year.