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4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Display Binder, 2/4 Armoured Regiment Group, abt 2014
Provides an excellent account of the service of Australian 2/4 Armoured Regiment Group in New Guinea and Bougainville in World War 2. By 1945 the United States publicity machine under General McArthur focussed on US campaigns to the North treating this action as a back water The unit's battle honours comprise South West Pacific 1945, Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Hawain River, Wewak, Wirui Mission, Slater's Knoll, Hongorai River, Egan's Ridge-Hongorai Ford, Hari River and Mivo River2/4 Armoured Regiment is an antecedent unit of our modern Regiment ., Museum quality 3 ring, A3 size binder with clear inserts for documents and photos, in slip case. Presents history of Australian 2/4 Armoured Group in South West Pacific in World War 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Rowlock, early 20th century
This row lock was fitted onto the Warrnambool Lifeboat, which is also on-site at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The construction of the lifeboat 'Warrnambool' began 15th September 1909 and was completed almost 12 months later 1st September 1910. It was built at the Government Dockyard in Williamstown, Victoria, along the lines designed by Great Britain's Royal Lifeboat Institution, and included whale back decks fore and aft, mast and centre board, and rudder and tiller hung from the stern post. It could be propelled by both sail and oar. At that time Captain Ferguson was Chief Harbour Master and Mr Beagley was a foreman boat builder. Mr Beagley built the lifeboat with his fellow workmen. It had all the latest improvements in shape, disposition of weight with watertight compartments, and it had space for a large number of people in addition to the crew. It appears that 'H Meiers' whose signature was on the plaque that was found concealed in the hull, was involved with the building of the lifeboat. His signature and the dates of the start and finish of the boat's construction are penciled on the raw timber 'plaque' found in the hull in the early 1990s when the lifeboat was being restored. It is interesting that the 'Melbourne Directory' of 1911, published by Sands and MacDougal, lists McAuley and Meiers, boat builders, Nelson Place foreshore, between Pasco and Parker Streets, Williamstown, It is quite possibly the business of the person whose name is inscribed on the lifeboat plaque. Flagstaff Hill's documentation also mentions that the keel was laid at 'Harry Myers, boat builders, Williamstown, Melbourne the name 'Myers' can also be spelled 'Meiers', which could be the same person as the Meiers in "McAuley and Meiers" (as mentioned in genealogy lines of Myers). The new lifeboat, to be named 'Warrnambool' was brought to town by train and launched at the breakwater on 1st March 1911 using the Titan crane (the old lifeboat built-in 1858, was then returned to Melbourne in 1911). This new lifeboat was stationed at Warrnambool in a shed located at the base of the Breakwater, adjacent to the slipway. The lifeboat ‘Warrnambool’ was similar in size to the old lifeboat but far superior in design, with new sea-going qualities such as greater maneuverability. The ‘self-righting, self-draining’ design was made the vessel difficult to capsize and even if the boat overturned it would right itself to an even keel and the water would drain away. The hull was built of New Zealand Kauri, using double diagonal planking, laid in two layers at right angles, with a layer of canvas and red lead paint between the timbers to help seal the planking. It has plenty of free board. The backbone timbers were made of Jarrah. The Warrnambool lifeboat was one of several rescue boats used at Port Fairy and Warrnambool in the early 1900s. In late 1914 the Warrnambool lifeboat and crew were used to help find what was left of the tragic wreckage of the Antares and were able to discover the body of one of the crewmen. Between 1951 and 1954 the lifeboat was manned under the guidance of Captain Carrington. He held lifeboat practice each month on a Sunday morning, to comply with the Ports and Harbour’s request that lifeboats be ready for action in case of an emergency. In the early 1960’s it ended its service as a lifeboat and was used in Port Fairy as a barge to help dredge the Moyne River. Flagstaff Hill obtained the Warrnambool lifeboat in 1975. In 1984 it was on display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. On 23rd May 1990, she was lifted from the water and placed in a cradle for restoration. The name 'WARRNAMBOOL could be seen faintly on the lifeboat before it was restored. It was during the restoration that Flagstaff Hill's boat builder discovered the 'plaque' inside the hull. A copy of the blueprint plans has the name “V.E.E. Gotch” printed on it. His advertisement in Footscray’s ‘Independent’ newspaper of Saturday 11th May 1901 states he is “Principal and Skilled member (Naval Architect) to the Court of Marine Inquiry of Victoria and holds classes for naval architectural drawing and arithmetic.” The subject row lock is significant due to its association the Warrnambool Lifeboat which was an integral part of an important service to the local community as a lifesaving vessel for a half-century. One of the lifeboats many achievements was when it was used to help retrieve the body of a shipwrecked crew member of the ship Antares. Rowlock from the Warrnambool Lifeboat.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lifeboat warrnambool, life boat, life saving vessel, 1910 vessel, port fairy, boat builder plaque, rescue boat, beagley, government dockyard, williamstown, v.e.e. gotch, royal lifeboat institution, captain ferguson, non-capsizeable lifeboat, self-righting lifeboat, antares shipwreck, double diagonal planking, captain carrington, rowlock, lifeboat rowlock -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Rowlock, early 20th century
This row lock was fitted onto the Warrnambool Lifeboat, which is also on-site at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The construction of the lifeboat 'Warrnambool' began 15th September 1909 and was completed almost 12 months later 1st September 1910. It was built at the Government Dockyard in Williamstown, Victoria, along the lines designed by Great Britain's Royal Lifeboat Institution, and included whale back decks fore and aft, mast and centre board, and rudder and tiller hung from the stern post. It could be propelled by both sail and oar. At that time Captain Ferguson was Chief Harbour Master and Mr Beagley was a foreman boat builder. Mr Beagley built the lifeboat with his fellow workmen. It had all the latest improvements in shape, disposition of weight with watertight compartments, and it had space for a large number of people in addition to the crew. It appears that 'H Meiers' whose signature was on the plaque that was found concealed in the hull, was involved with the building of the lifeboat. His signature and the dates of the start and finish of the boat's construction are penciled on the raw timber 'plaque' found in the hull in the early 1990s when the lifeboat was being restored. It is interesting that the 'Melbourne Directory' of 1911, published by Sands and MacDougal, lists McAuley and Meiers, boat builders, Nelson Place foreshore, between Pasco and Parker Streets, Williamstown, It is quite possibly the business of the person whose name is inscribed on the lifeboat plaque. Flagstaff Hill's documentation also mentions that the keel was laid at 'Harry Myers, boat builders, Williamstown, Melbourne the name 'Myers' can also be spelled 'Meiers', which could be the same person as the Meiers in "McAuley and Meiers" (as mentioned in genealogy lines of Myers). The new lifeboat, to be named 'Warrnambool' was brought to town by train and launched at the breakwater on 1st March 1911 using the Titan crane (the old lifeboat built-in 1858, was then returned to Melbourne in 1911). This new lifeboat was stationed at Warrnambool in a shed located at the base of the Breakwater, adjacent to the slipway. The lifeboat ‘Warrnambool’ was similar in size to the old lifeboat but far superior in design, with new sea-going qualities such as greater maneuverability. The ‘self-righting, self-draining’ design was made the vessel difficult to capsize and even if the boat overturned it would right itself to an even keel and the water would drain away. The hull was built of New Zealand Kauri, using double diagonal planking, laid in two layers at right angles, with a layer of canvas and red lead paint between the timbers to help seal the planking. It has plenty of free board. The backbone timbers were made of Jarrah. The Warrnambool lifeboat was one of several rescue boats used at Port Fairy and Warrnambool in the early 1900s. In late 1914 the Warrnambool lifeboat and crew were used to help find what was left of the tragic wreckage of the Antares and were able to discover the body of one of the crewmen. Between 1951 and 1954 the lifeboat was manned under the guidance of Captain Carrington. He held lifeboat practice each month on a Sunday morning, to comply with the Ports and Harbour’s request that lifeboats be ready for action in case of an emergency. In the early 1960’s it ended its service as a lifeboat and was used in Port Fairy as a barge to help dredge the Moyne River. Flagstaff Hill obtained the Warrnambool lifeboat in 1975. In 1984 it was on display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. On 23rd May 1990, she was lifted from the water and placed in a cradle for restoration. The name 'WARRNAMBOOL could be seen faintly on the lifeboat before it was restored. It was during the restoration that Flagstaff Hill's boat builder discovered the 'plaque' inside the hull. A copy of the blueprint plans has the name “V.E.E. Gotch” printed on it. His advertisement in Footscray’s ‘Independent’ newspaper of Saturday 11th May 1901 states he is “Principal and Skilled member (Naval Architect) to the Court of Marine Inquiry of Victoria and holds classes for naval architectural drawing and arithmetic.” The subject row lock is significant due to its association the Warrnambool Lifeboat which was an integral part of an important service to the local community as a lifesaving vessel for a half-century. One of the lifeboats many achievements was when it was used to help retrieve the body of a shipwrecked crew member of the ship Antares. Rowlock from the Warrnambool Lifeboat.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lifeboat warrnambool, life boat, life saving vessel, 1910 vessel, port fairy, boat builder plaque, rescue boat, beagley, government dockyard, williamstown, v.e.e. gotch, royal lifeboat institution, captain ferguson, non-capsizeable lifeboat, self-righting lifeboat, antares shipwreck, double diagonal planking, captain carrington, rowlock, lifeboat rowlock -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Compass, mid-19th Century
Captain Robilliard: James Arthur Robilliard was a sea captain and tentmaker, born on the 19th April 1843 at Saint Helier, Jersey. He trained there in his father's sail loft as a sailmaker. His first job as a sailor was in Liverpool, England and 1875 James Robilliard migrated to Australia as mate on the "E.M. Young". James Robilliard and his family were amongst the early settlers that arrived along the Curdies River in the Heytesbury district of Western Victoria. In 1877 he became a Captain and would have used his compass from ship to ship. On 28th May 1877 in that same district a small 3-masted, schooner the "Young Australian" was wrecked. This schooner had been built 1864 at Jervis Bay, NSW. She had been on her way from Maryborough Queensland to Adelaide, under the command of Captain Whitfield, when she lost her mainmast in a heavy gale. She was beached at Curdies Inlet in Peterborough, Victoria, Captain Robilliard was placed in charge of the salvaging operation and recovered a good portion of the cargo. Not long after this incident a Warrnambool shop owner David Evans found employment for James Robilliard with Evan Evans, who produced tents, sails, tarpaulins and similar goods; James already had the necessary skills for this work. Evan Evans was the same sailor rescued from the “Young Australian” soon after his rescue Evan recalled he had a relative in Australia in a town called Warrnambool and while walking in Timor Street, Warrnambool, he saw a sign over a shop that said “David Evans” and once the two men met, Evan was warmly welcomed. David then helped his relative to establish a tent and tarpaulin-making business there. Evan later transferred his successful business to a shop in Elizabeth St, Melbourne, under the name Evan Evans Pty. Ltd.) James Robilliard, a committed Christian, and accredited Lay Preacher with the Methodist Church. He travelled around the local district leading the settlers in worship. On 14th November 1879, Captain Robilliard married Helen Beckett. Alfred and Selina Beckett and their family all attended the church at Brucknell where Captain Robilliard preached. He was said to have been taken by their young daughter Helen. James and Helen had ten children; James Arthur (Jnr), Henry William, Nellie Jessie, Alfred Albert, Rubena Nellie, De Jersy Norman, Clifford Beckett, Olive Ida, Frances Ridley Havergal and Nellie Elvie, all born in Victoria. In the 1880s James Robilliard captained the cutter "Hannah Thompson" into Port Campbell, Victoria. This vessel was the first coastal trader to operate between Melbourne and Port Campbell. At one time Captain Robilliard had to beach the "Hannah Thompson" for repairs. In 1923 she was blown ashore in a gale and wrecked at Oberon Bay, at Wilson's Promontory. In 1889 the compass was saved by Captain James Arthur Robilliard from his sinking brigantine "Mary Campbell" in 1889. This vessel was used to carry equipment for the Sydney Sugar Refinery's Mill in Southgate, NSW. The ship had been built in 1869 and traded for the next 20 years between Australian ports and rivers along the east coast as well as regular ports in New Zealand. She was recognised by the Sydney Morning Herald as one of the best "carrying vessel in the timber trade". She had several owners over this time, the last one being Captain James A. Robilliard. On 29th April 1889 the "Mary Campbell", with Captain James A Robilliard as captain and owner, was on her way from Clarence River, NSW to Melbourne, Victoria with a cargo of railway girders for the Melbourne Harbour Trust. Captain Robilliard encountered a storm off Port Macquarie. He sailed the vessel south to about 40km east of Cape Hawke, near Tuncurry. At around 7 pm, he discovered that the cargo had shifted during the storm and the heavy girders had damaged the hull, causing a leak. The pumps were inadequate to stem the fast-flowing leak water soon filled the hull during the next two hours. Some of the crew began throwing the cargo overboard to lighten the vessel, hoping to keep it afloat until daylight. When the water reached over 2 meters in the hull they realised their efforts were in vain. On the 30th April 1889, the crew left the vessel the ship was sinking fast, so they made for the shore. While still miles off Cape Hawke all seven crew members, including the Captain, were rescued by the Government Tug "Rhea" and taken to Port Macquarie Hospital and later returned to Sydney in the vessel "Wellington". No cargo had been saved and the consignment had been under-insured, only covered for half its value. The name of the last ship Captain Robilliard sailed is currently unknown, however, he sailed that ship from the port of Marlborough, Queensland, carting steel railway girders for the Geelong-to-Camperdown railway line. On this trip the ship hit a storm, the cargo shifted and the ship was wrecked along the NSW coast. After this, Captain Robilliard retired from the sea and began farming in Peterborough. In about 1897, verging on retirement, Capt. Robilliard superintended the Melbourne Sailors’ Home in Spencer Street, Melbourne, before being asked to leave this position in 1902 for trying to shut down a local hotel. On 6th May 1917 Captain James Arthur Robilliard J.P. died at Blackwood Park, in the Cobden district of Brucknell, the first Robilliard family homestead in Australia. He was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery, Victoria. His wife Helen passed away in 1947. This compass, once belonging to Captain James Arthur Robilliard, is of local and state historical significance for its use by the Captain with his vessel the "Mary Campbell", a trading vessel that was bringing railway girders to the Melbourne Harbour Trust. He also used this compass on the "Hannah Thompson", listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and known as being the first coastal trader to operate between Melbourne and Port Campbell. The compass is also a very fine example of maritime navigational instruments manufactured and used in the mid-19th century. Marine compass, brass, in wooden box with separate, fitted lid. The compass card has sixteen points. The four principal points are marked; North with a star shaped, South with an “S”, East with and “E” and West with an “O” (French word OUEST). Each quadrant of the circle is numbered from 0 – 90 degrees. The card is floating in a liquid. The compass gimbal is attached to the sides of the box and to the front and back of the compass’ cylindrical brass frame. The mahogany coloured timber storage box is joined with brass nails. The centre of the lid has a folding decorative brass handle. The lid fits over base and closes with a brass screw and hook on both front and back. Maker; Dubas Watchmaker Optician, Nantes, France, c 1860-1870. Compass came from the ship “Mary Campbell”, which sank off the NSW coast in 1889, near Forster. The compass, as well as the ship, belonged to Captain James Arthur Robilliard and was donated by his family. “DUBAS MANTES” stamped into side of gimbal. “DUBAS HORLOGER OPTICIEN. NANTES.” printed around centre of card. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, marine compass, navigation instrument 19th century, marine instruments, dubas mantes, captain james arthur robilliard, j.a. robilliard, helen beckett, ship young australian, ship young australia(n), ship hannah thompson, ship mary campbell, melbourne sailors home, david evans, evan evans, curdies inlet, brucknell church, curdies railway, great lakes museum -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Postcard - People, Bill Ferrier - rescuer, 11th November, 1905
The postcard shows a photograph of William Ferrier, the 25-year-old Warrnambool fisherman from South Warrnambool whose rescue of two sailors from the wrecked La Bella made him an overnight National hero, quoted as “one of the most heroic rescues in Victoria’s shipwreck history”. The La Bella was wrecked on 10th November 1905 and the photograph was taken on the next day. In the photograph, William Ferrier is seated in the centre, with four of the five survivors beside him: (from left to right) Leonard Robertson, R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. The photograph was taken by Foyle Photography Studio in Warrnambool, originally owned by James Charles Foyle. He previously had a photographic studio in Melbourne 1882 1887, then opened “Foyle’s Photo Card Studios” in Liebig St, Warrnambool. James Foyle died on 13th July 1905 and his son and daughter, Charles and Lilian Foyle continued on with the business until 1945. This photograph was most likely taken by either Charles or Lilian Foyle. The story of William Ferrier’s brave act follows on below … The ship from which the sailors were rescued was the three-masted, iron and steel barquentine the La Bella, built in Norway in 1893. She was one of two iron and steel ships by Johan Smith, the company was one of the leading shipping families in Tvedestrand, Norway. She was significant to Norwegian shipping, being one of only 27 iron and steel ships ever built in Norway. She was registered in New Zealand and engaged from 1902 in inter-colonial trading of timber in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia and was often in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. On 5th October 1905, the twelve-year-old La Bella left Lyttleton, New Zealand carrying a cargo of timber bound for Warrnambool, Australia. She was manned by a crew of twelve: the Master, (Captain Mylius, previously 1st Mate of La Bella, appointed Captain to La Bella on 6th February 1903) 2 Mates, Cook, six able seamen, one ordinary seaman and a boy. Bad weather en route caused her to shelter at Burnie on Tasmania's North West coast. On November 10th, the 37th day of her journey, La Bella approached Warrnambool. Captain Mylius steered her towards Lady Bay Channel in heavy south-west seas and evening mist. He ordered the helmsman to steer for the light. As the ship came round, a tremendous sea struck her on the port quarter, causing her to breach broadside in a northwesterly direction into breakers. The helm was brought round twice more, but each time heavy seas broke over her, the third time throwing the La Bella on to a submerged reef in Lady Bay now known as La Bella Reef (about 100 yards from the Warrnambool breakwater). The sea was so rough that it even wrenched a one-and-a-half ton anchor from its fastenings and into the sea. As Captain Mylius headed to the steel wheelhouse, intending to send up a rocket flare, a huge sea slammed the steel door into him (resulting in massive bruising front and back) Despite his injuries he still managed to set off a blue light, which he held up in his hands. La Bella’s lifeboats were filled with seawater and broke up on their chocks. The blue light was the first indication to people on the shore that there was a ship in distress. The Harbour Master, Captain Roe (who lived in the Harbour Master’s House opposite Flagstaff Hill), organised a group of volunteers to crew the lifeboat because the trained crew was unavailable; the crewmen were working on a steamer in Port Fairy at the time. He then poured oil onto the water to try and smooth the sea. At around 11 pm three of the crew took shelter in the steel forecastle but the sea crashed into it and broke it up. While the rest of the crew and onlookers watched helplessly in the moonlight the bodies were washed away into the sea, never to be seen again. Some of the crew lashed themselves to the weather rail to keep from being washed away. Watson, the ordinary seaman, became tangled in the rigging lines and was too weak to move, so the 2nd Mate, Robertson, put a line onto him so that he wouldn’t wash off. Around 11 pm three of the crew were unconscious from exhaustion. The situation on La Bella was becoming dangerous. The 2nd Mate moved to the ‘house’ and soon afterwards the ship slipped in the heavy sea. The lashings of the 1st Mate and the ‘boy’ Denham had kept them safe until about 2 am when they were washed overboard; no one was able to help. One by one, the exhausted crew were being washed overboard, too weak to hold on any longer. During the night the La Bella had broken into two and the deckhouse ran out towards the sea. Two more men drowned when trying to reach the lifeboat. By sunrise, the only survivors of the twelve were the Master, 2nd Mate and three seamen. Early in the morning, Captain Roe used the rocket apparatus on shore to try and shoot a line to the ship for a safer rescue but each attempt fell short of the target. Several attempts were made by the lifeboat to rescue the stricken sailors, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. During a final attempt to reach the ship Captain Mylius ordered his men to jump into the sea. Leonard Robertson, 2nd mate, jumped and swam towards the lifeboat, taking hold of the boat hook offered to him. Oscar Rosenholme managed to reach the boat floating on a piece of timber from the ship’s load and a third survivor, Noake, also made the boat. Along with the lifeboat rescue crew, 25-year-old William Ferrier rowed his small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he skulled towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the lashing that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The ordeal had lasted ten hours. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. In the following days, an unidentified body of a young person had washed ashore; it was either Watson or Denham. The body was buried in the Warrnambool cemetery with an appropriate gravestone and inscription. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history. (William Ferrier’s son, Frank, received a similar award almost fifty years later when he helped rescue four members of the crew on the yacht Merlan after it ran on to a reef near the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. ) The wreck of La Bella now lies on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Those five rescued from the La Bella were Captain George Mylius, Leonard Robertson (2nd Mate, 21 years old), R. Payne, Oscar Rosenholme and Jack Noake. Those seven who lost their lives were Mr Coulson (1st mate), Charles Jackman (cook) Gustave Johnson, Pierre Johann and Robert Gent (all able seamen), Harry Watson (ordinary seaman) and Jack Denham (ship’s boy), Captain Mylius was found guilty of careless navigation; he had sailed into the bay without the services of a pilot. His Master Certificate was suspended for twelve months. Later he was also charged with manslaughter of one of the crew who had died when the La Bella was wrecked but found not guilty. The event’s adverse publicity and damage to his career took a toll on his health and he died of a heart attack six months after the wreck; he was only thirty-seven. His body was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. The La Bella was “the best documented of all sailing ships owned in New Zealand”. Her record books, ship logs, correspondence and supporting papers are still available. At the time of the tragedy, she was owned by Messers David C.Turnbull and Co. of Timaru, New Zealand timber merchants and shipping agents, who had purchased her on 13th December 1901. A detailed account of the last journey of La Bella can be read in “Leonard Robertson, the Whangaroa & La Bella” written by Jack Churchouse, published in 1982 by Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington, NZ. As well as this postcard, Flagstaff Hill’s La Bella Collection includes a photograph of the wrecked La Bella, a brass rail holder and the letter from the Prime Minister and other Members of Parliament that was sent to William Ferrier to commend him for his bravery. Some 15 – 17 ships are believed to have sunk in Lady Bay, but only two have been discovered on the seafloor; the “La Bella” and the “Edinburgh Castle”. Both wrecks are popular diving sites and are preserved as significant historical marine and marine archaeological sites. This postcard is part of the La Bella Collection and is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of five survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. The photograph of William Ferrier and four of the five survivors demonstrates the bravery of ordinary Australians who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. The postcard is significant to the history of Warrnambool as it portrays William Ferrier, a local fisherman whose descendants continue to live in the area. It highlights the way of life of people who lived in coastal towns in 19th century Victoria and the effects of shipwrecks upon them. The postcard connects to the congratulatory letter which was sent to William Ferrier by the Prime Minister and Government of Australia and demonstrates the importance they attached to his efforts for Victoria and to Australia. The postcard is also an example of the photography of Foyle Photographers who were in the town of Warrnambool from the late 1800’s. Charles and Lillian Foyle took over the business when their father James died in 1905. Lillian Foyle is significant as the first woman photographer in Warrnambool. It is not known whether Charles of Lillian took this photograph. This postcard is significant because of its association with the sailing ship “La Bella”. The “La Bella” is of local and state and national significance. It is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks in the bay. Sepia photograph of William (Bill) Ferrier (seated in the middle), heroic rescuer of two crew members of the La Bella, wrecked at Warrnambool. The photograph is a postcard and shows five men dressed formally in suits and hats. Printed below the photograph are the name and place of the photographer, a royal crest and the details of two patrons of the photographer. Also below the photograph are some handwritten words in black pen. On the back of the postcard is a handwritten message in the same writing as the front.Printed on the front of the card is “Foyle, WARRNAMBOOL” “PATRONS: / HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CORNWALL & YORK. / HIS EXCELLENCY LORD BRAS_ EY, R.O.B.” Handwritten on the front of the card is “Bill Ferrier / rescuer / Oh my hero _ _ _ “ Handwritten on the back of the card is a message. “La Bella” Wrecked off W.Bool Breakwater Nov. 1906 (_ _ _ _ show night) Payne Noake Rosenholme Robertson and Capt Mylius (saved) (moonlight bright) Watson (_ _ _ _ boy) Richwoud [possibly Richmond] drowned” and signed “Desdewoua [possibly Desdemona] Slogos”la bella, foyle, william ferrier, bill ferrier, lady bay, 1905, 10th november 1905, 11th november 1905, parliament of the commonwealth, royal humane society medal, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Painting, A.S. Murray, Scene on the River Glenelg, c. 1894
Art Collection Previously located in History HouseThe painting depicts a large body of water surrounded by hills. The body of water extends from the front right corner through to the centre of the work. Predominately depicted in shades of brown, the body of water has a white centre with three birds (swans) sitting on the surface. In the foreground to the left of the water is a riverbank with a large brown tree. The background consists of a large blue/grey hillside and brown cloudless sky. The work has a gilded ornate frame with a gold mount and exposed canvas.Front: A.S. Murray Back: W.HAMER, 189 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VICTORIA BUILDINGS, OPPOSITE CITY FIRE BRIGADErevier glenelg, swans -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Isabel Ellender, The Plenty Valley Corridor: the archaeological survey of Aboriginal sites / by Isabel Ellender 1991, 1991_
This archaeological survey of the Plenty Valley was conducted by Isabel Ellender in 1991 for the Board of Works (Melbourne Water), in particular the Plenty Gorge Metropolitan Park. The area studied is north of Greensborough to Whittlesea. A number of Aboriginal sites were identified and recommendations made for the future.67 p., illus., maps. Plastic spiral binding.plenty river, aboriginal heritage sites, plenty gorge metropolitan park -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Photograph (Copy), Anne Paul, Water Watch under old bridge, Lower Plenty 1990s, 1990s
Two views of "Waterwatch" working around the bridge over the Plenty River in Lower Plenty.2 colour photographs printed on paper, handwritten captionslower plenty, plenty river, waterwatch -
Greensborough Historical Society
Document - Report, Rhys Coleman, The Health of the Plenty River Catchment 1999, 1999_09
... for Waterways and Drainage, Melbourne Water Corporation, discusses ...Report prepared by Rhys Coleman for Waterways and Drainage, Melbourne Water Corporation, discusses the health of the Plenty River catchment from upstream of Toorourrong Reservoir, through Whittlesea and Mernda, South Morang and Plenty to Greensborough and confluence with the Yarra River.31 p., tables.plenty river, melbourne water corporation -
Greensborough Historical Society
Pamphlet, Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works, Lower Plenty River: Yarra River to Greensborough: preparation of a concept plan, 1990
... . plenty river melbourne water corporation board of works 2 p ...This pamphlet outlines a proposed concept plan for the lower Plenty River, Greensborough to Heidelberg. The plan would focus on preserving and enhancing the aesthetic, recreational and conservation potential of the waterway.2 p., illus., tri-fold pamphlet. 2 copiesplenty river, melbourne water corporation, board of works -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article - Article, Journal, E. G. Ritchie, Melbourne's water supply undertaking, by E. G. Ritchie, 1934
An historical account of the development of Melbourne's water supply, including the Yarra and Plenty Rivers and Yan Yean and Maroondah Reservoirs.4 p., photocopy of article.melbourne water, mmbw, maroondah aqueduct, yan yean reservoir -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article - Journal - Excerpt, Victorian Government Gazette, Melbourne water supply 1879, 25/04/1879
An historical account from the Victorian Government Gazette 25/04/1879: Contract accepted - Melbourne Water Supply - B. Barnes & Co. Masonry abutments and piers, also construction and erection of wrought iron aqueduct over Plenty River at Morang. 5250 pounds.History of the Maroondah aqueduct1 p., photocopy of article, downloaded from State Library of Victoriamelbourne water, mmbw, maroondah aqueduct, plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article - Journal - Excerpt, Victorian Government Gazette, Melbourne water supply 1890, 15/08/1890
An historical account from the Victorian Government Gazette 15/08/1890: Contract accepted - Melbourne Water Supply - Mephan Ferguson. Manufacture and erection of wrought iron tubular aqueduct over Plenty River near Greensborough. Addition and extension to Watts River Scheme.History of the Maroondah aqueduct1 p., photocopy of article, downloaded from State Library of Victoriamelbourne water, mmbw, maroondah aqueduct, plenty river, watts river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Anne Paul, History of Maroondah Aqueduct Pipe Bridge over the Plenty River at Greensborough, by Anne Paul, 2012_03
The Maroondah Aqueduct pipe bridge, opened in 1891, was an important part of the system carrying water from the Maroondah Reservoir near Healesville to Melbourne. Most of the original system has been replaced by stainless steel pipes, the Greensborough section now running under the Plenty River since 1977. The original pipe bridge can still be seen over the Plenty River at Greensborough.2 p. typescriptaqueduct pipe bridge greensborough, maroondah aqueduct, melbourne water supply, anne paul -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, Run off into Plenty River: Slide 64, 1990s
Photograph shows water over ground. This is run off into the Plenty RiverPart of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No caption. Printed maker's mark on slide "Kodak Kodachrome Slide"plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, Plenty River: Slide 19, 1990s
Photograph shows low water flow on the Plenty River near South Morang or Mernda.Part of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. No caption on slide.south morang, mernda, plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, Source of the Plenty River: Slide 32, 1990s
Photograph of the source of the Plenty River at Bruces Creek Whittlesea showing water and vegetation.Part of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. No caption on slide.plenty river, vegetation, whittlesea -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, Plenty River with low water flow: Slide 54, 1990s
... Plenty River with low water flow: Slide 54...Photograph shows the Plenty River with low water, rocks... slide. Plenty River with low water flow: Slide 54 Slide ...Photograph shows the Plenty River with low water, rocks and fallen branchesPart of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. No caption on slide.plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, Plenty River headwaters: Slide 65, 1990s
Photograph shows water near culvert or drain, this is the Plenty River headwaters.Part of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. No caption on slide.plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Slide - Photograph, John Ramsdale, River flood plain looking west: Slide 67, 1990s
Photograph shows a rural scene with water over ground. This is the Plenty River flood plain looking west, Yan Yean or MerndaPart of the John Ramsdale collection of slides and audio visual material.Colour photograph scanned from slide.No maker's marks. No caption on slide.plenty river, yan yean, mernda -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Equipment - Lifebuoy, Marra Melbourne, 1955-1984
Marra was a refrigerated cargo ship built by Ardrossan Dry Dock & Ship Building Co. in 1955. The first owner was the Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd., Melbourne . 1,396 gross tons. Lbd: 233'2" x 37'8" x 14'9". in May 1965 it was sold to the Australian Army and renamed AS3051 (John Monash) and provided a shuttle service from Australia to Vietnam transporting cargo for the Australian Task Force. In September 1974, it was sold to unknown buyers however prior to that sale, she worked the West Australian coast being used on the Ord River Project under 'Stateships' perhaps under lease. The Clydebuilt shipsite states she was renamed Asian Queen in 1976 , Arabian Victory in 1980 and finally Sea Rose in 1981. The ship was scrapped in May 1984 at Gadani Beach, Pakistan. Lifebuoys are an essential piece of equipment on a ship. Because the name of the ships it belongs to is written on it is often the only memorabilia left from the ship when it is sent to scrapyard.Round buoy decorated in red and yellow sections with the word "Marra Melbourne" painted on the front. There is a rope that is strung through sections of the exterior.In black paint on the front of the buoy: "MARRA MELBOURNE"safety wheel, lifebelt, water wheely, ring buoy, lifering, lifesaver, life donut, life preserver, perry buoy, lifebuoy, lifesaving equipment, rescue, drowning, vietnam war, adelaide steamship, john monash, australian army, life buoy -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Vital connections: Melbourne and its Board of Works 1891-1991, by Tony Dingle & Carolyn Rasmussen, 1991_
Centenary history of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, the organisation responsible for Melbourne's water supply, sewerage and industrial waste disposal, town planning, rivers & creeks, metropolitan parks and building of freeways until its closure in 1992.432 p. hardback, black & white photographsmmbw, melbourne and metropolitan board of works -
Greensborough Historical Society
Maps, Yan Yean Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan: Construction dates Map 1, 2007_
Plan of Yan Yean Water Supply System, showing natural and constructed features from 1850s to 1930s from Silver Creek Weirs to Eastern Freeway.Printed in colour one side. 3 copieswater supply, yan yean reservoir, plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper Clipping - Digital Image, Barak Bushland Reserve - Floods mean a lot to clean, 02/03/2005
Receding flood water levels have revealed much rubbish. Clean Up Australia day volunteers work throughout Banyule and Nillumbik to collect the rubbish.Newspaper clipping, black and white text and colour image.clean up australia day, plenty river -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Melbourne Water, Plenty River Waterway Management Activity Plan 2000, 2000_
... for the improvement of the Plenty River. plenty river melbourne water 207 p ...This report covers the catchment of the Plenty River from its upper reaches in the Great Dividing Range to the confluence with the Yarra River at Viewbank. It discusses ecological diversity and methods of improving water quality and significant areas of the catchment. Includes a brief history of settlement along the Plenty River.This is a significant plan for the improvement of the Plenty River.207 p., maps, folding maps. Printed on white paper with black spiral binding and clear plastic front cover.plenty river, melbourne water -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Outing at Laughing Waters on The Yarra River, 1935, 1935_
... of people sitting beside the river. dorris mclaughlin laughing water ...Part of a collection of photographs owned by Dorris McLaughlin who was born in Greensborough, in 1899 to John McLaughlin and Rosalie Ellen Whatmough. The collection contains photographs of friends and relatives from the Greensborough and Eltham areas. This photograph shows a large group of people sitting beside the river.Digital copy of black and white photograph.dorris mclaughlin, laughing water -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Greensborough RSL, Memorabilia: Did You Know [Article on water powered flour mills], 1842o
Contains a brief history of the various flour mills that existed on the Plenty River upstream from Greensborough and some others in the district.Contains some hard to find information on district flour mills and their fate.A one page article on Plenty River flour mills written by Jim Allen.Niljanefield mill, george coulstock, john brock, peter hurlestone, carome mill, thomas mill, plenty river, yan yean reservoir, boadles mill, marsh farm, diamond creek -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping, Diamond Valley Leader, Maroondah Aqueduct turns 100 years old, 1991c
Aqueduct of 66 km built between 1886 and 1891 between Watts River near Healesville and Preston Reservoir. Parts have been replaced by pipes.The aqueduct formed a major link in Melbourne's water distribution system after supplies from Yan Yean Reservoir were considered insufficient in the 1870s.Photographic copy, text with photo of Russell Yeomansmaroondah aqueduct, russell yeomans -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph, Maroondah aqueduct pipe bridge 2011, 2011_
in 1891 the Watts River (near Healesville) was tapped. It supplied water to Melbourne, via the Maroondah aqueduct. The Maroondah Reservoir, northeast of Melbourne, was completed in 1927 and water was piped via the Maroondah aqueduct to the northern suburbs. It was replaced by large pipes in the 1980s. Parts of the aqueduct structure remain.Copy of colour photographaqueduct pipe bridge greensborough, maroondah aqueduct -
Greensborough Historical Society
Pamphlet, Lower Plenty River concept plan, summary report: Maroondah Pipetrack to Yarra River, 1992_07
... and Housing. plenty river maroondah aqueduct melbourne water Coloured ...This draft concept plan covers the lower Plenty River from the Maroondah Pipe track in Greensborough to where the Plenty meets the Yarra. Melbourne Water was the lead agency, assisted by the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley, City of Heidelberg, the EPA and Department of Planning and Housing.Coloured pamphlet, photograph and plans 12 pages. 2 copies.plenty river, maroondah aqueduct, melbourne water