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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Ship's nail in wood, Ca. 1855
This ship's nail in a wood sample was part of the construction of the ship SCHOMBERG. About the SCHOMBERG- James Blaine’s Black Ball Line had commissioned the luxury sailing ship, Schomberg, to be built for its fleet of passenger liners The three-masted wooden ship was launched in 1855, designed by the Aberdeen builders to sail faster than the quick clippers designed by North American Donald McKay. The material used for the diagonal planking was British oak with layers of Scottish larch. The Schomberg’s master Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes commanded the ship on its maiden journey between Liverpool and Melbourne, departing on 6 October 1855 with 430 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo including iron rails and equipment intended the build the Geelong Railway and a bridge over the Yarra from Melbourne to Hawthorn. After sailing for 78 days she ran aground on a sand spit at Curdies Inlet near Peterborough, Victoria, on 27 December 1835. At dawn on the next day, the ship’s Chief Officer signalled a passing steamer, SS Queen, for help and all of Schomberg’s passengers were able to disembark safely. The passengers’ baggage and some of the cargo were later collected from the Schomberg. Local merchants Manifold & Bostock bought the wreck and the remaining cargo but did not attempt to salvage the cargo that was still on board. They eventually sold it and after two of the men drowned in the salvage efforts the job was abandoned. In 1975, divers from Flagstaff Hill, including former Director, Peter Ronald, explored the Schomberg wreck site and recovered many artefacts that are now on display at the Museum.The ship's nail in a wood sample is significant for its connection with the Schomberg, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S612), has great historical significance as a rare example of a large and fast clipper ship that sailed on the England-to-Australia run, carrying emigrants at the time of the Victorian gold rush. She represents the technical advances made to break sailing records between Europe and Australia. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from the Schomberg is significant for its association with the shipwreck. The collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they can interpret the story of the ship, Schomberg. It is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger Ship. It is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be the fastest and most luxurious of its day.Ship's nail in a wood sample. The object was recovered from the wreck of the SCHOMBERG.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, schomberg, clipper ship, black ball line, 1855 shipwreck, aberdeen clipper ship, captain forbes, peterborough shipwreck, ss queen, ship's nail, ship's wood, wood sample, ship construction -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Porthole Frame, Russell & Co, Ca. 1886
... was recovered from the wreck of the Falls of Halladale at Peterborough ...This restored porthole frame was recovered from the wreck of the Falls of Halladale at Peterborough Victoria. The Falls of Halladale- The ship was an iron-hulled, four-masted barque, used as a bulk carrier of general cargo. She left New York in August 1908 bound for Melbourne and Sydney. In her hold was general cargo consisting of roofing tiles, barbed wire, stoves, oil, benzene, and many other manufactured items. After three months at sea and close to her destination, a navigational error caused the Falls of Halladale to be wrecked on a reef off the Peterborough headland on the 15th of November, 1908. The captain and 29 crew members survived, but her cargo was largely lost, despite two salvage attempts in 1908-09 and 1910. The Court of Marine Inquiry in Melbourne ruled that the foundering of the ship was entirely due to Captain David Wood Thomson's navigational error, not too technical failure of the Clyde-built ship. The Falls of Halladale was built in1886 by Russell & Co., at Greenock shipyards on the River Clyde, Scotland for Wright, Breakenridge & Co of Glasgow. She was one of several designs of the Falls Line of ships named after waterfalls in Scotland. The company was founded between 1870- 1873 as a partnership between Joseph Russell, Anderson Rodger, and William Todd Lithgow. During 1882-92 Russell & Co. standardised designs sped up their building process so much that they could build 271 ships during that time. The Falls of Halladale had a sturdy construction built to carry maximum cargo and was able to maintain full sail in heavy gales, one of the last of the 'windjammers' that sailed the Trade Route. She and her sister ship, the Falls of Garry, were the first ships in the world to include fore and aft lifting bridges. Previously, heavily loaded vessels could have heavy seas break along the full length of the deck, causing serious injury or even death to those on deck. The new, raised catwalk-type decking allowed the crew to move above the deck in stormy conditions. This artefact is important as it is an example of the materials and design of late-19th century ship’s rigging equipment. The object is also significant for its association with the historic sailing ship Falls of Halladale, wrecked in local waters in the early 20th century. The clipper ship Falls of Halladale shipwreck is of historical significance and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, No. S255. She was one of the last ships to sail the Trade Routes. She was one of the first vessels to have fore and aft lifting bridges. The vessel is an example of an International Cargo Ship's remains and represents aspects of Victoria’s shipping industry. Porthole frame; cast brass circular frame with several fixing holes, and hinged frame for holding the glass window. The frame has two screw dogs and a solid hinge. The porthole frame has been recondition and the layer of concretion has been removed. The porthole frame was recovered from the wrecked FALLS OF HALLADALE.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, falls of halladale, shippwreck, shipwreck artefact, porthole, pprthole frame, ship's window, ship construction, shipwreck, peterborough, 1908 shipwreck, peterborough shipwreck, russell & co., greenock, wright breakenridge & co. glasgow, clipper ship -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - William Ferrier, Henna Street Picture Framers, 2005
The photograph of William Ferrier was given to Avis Quarrell by Lewis Ferrier, 3rd youngest son of William during the centenary of the wreck of the La Bella. The photograph was framed by the Henna Street Picture Framers, Warrnambool in 2005. The photograph is of William Ferrier, the 25-year-old fisherman from South Warrnambool, whose rescue of two sailors from the wrecked La Bella made him an overnight national hero. The La Bella was wrecked on 10th November 1905,and the remains of the vessel now lie 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. Several attempts were made by the Warrnambool lifeboat crew to rescue the stricken sailors on the La Bella, 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. A another rescue attempt was made by Ferrier who rowed a small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain George Mylius, 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 swam towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the ropes and debris 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 survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. 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.This photograph is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast and demonstrates the bravery of ordinary Australians like William Ferrier who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. Moreover, the photograph has an association with the sailing ship ‘La Bella’, as it is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks known to have been wrecked in the bay.Framed sepia photograph, mounted behind glass. Portrait of a man seated on a log. He is wearing a brimmed hat, dark coloured jacket and trousers, and a light coloured collarless shirt with buttons. The figure in the photograph is William Ferrier.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, la bella, william ferrier, rescue, hero william ferrier -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Poster - RSL membership subscriptions, Don't let a sub wreck your RSL memberSHIP, 1940s
Given to PMH&PS by the local RSL Branch on their closure in May 1998Small RSL poster 'Don't let a sub wreck your RSL memberSHIP - subscriptions now due'. Photo shows sub stalking a ship marked 'RSS&AILA'. Yellowed, fly specked.'4' in pencil below photosocieties clubs unions and other organisations, returned services league, rsl -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Letter - Photocopy, Letters regarding Captain John Venebles, 1700 - 2000
From red binder of family history of Caroline and Willbraham Liardet consisting of photocopies of various photos and documents, family trees, etc.donated by Philippa Gamlin, granddaughter of Leonora. .21 - Letters regarding Captain John Venables . His ship the "Salsette" was berthed at Sandridge following crew desertion to the goldfields and was wrecked during a storm and broken up on Sandridge beachEach leaf is numberedliardet family, phillippa gamlin, ynys grecian -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - SS Nairana, C.1951
The SS Nairana was launched 1915 by William Denny & Brothers in Dumbarton Scotland the 3,402 ton steamer was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and served during WW1. In 1922 she was transferred to Tasmanian Steamers and, apart from again being requisitioned for war service in WW2, was used as a Bass Strait ferry until 1948. The Nairana was blown ashore onto Port Melbourne beach during a severe gale on 19 February 1951. After salvage what remained of the wreck was blown up in 1954. B & W aerial photograph of SS Nairana and Port Melbourne foreshore. Ship's outline can be seen on far right side of photograp.ss nairana, transport - shipping -
HMAS Cerberus Museum
print (H.M.C.S Protector)
Of H.M.C.S Protector- non reflecting glass wooden fram-brass plates (2)Presented to H.M.A.S cerberus museum by the Director Gerneral of naval Traing and Education, Commodore Ian Nicholson A.D.C., RAN and the commanding officer of the Adelaide port Division of the RANR Commander Tony Bennett RD RANR. September 1981. H.M.C.S Protector. 1884- Commissioned into the South Australia Colonial Naval forces. 1900- Briefly commissioned into the royal Navy for service in the boxer reballion. in China. 1911- Commissioned into the royal Australian Navy. 1914- 18 served in New Guinea waters and Australian waters abd surveyed the wreck of the EMDEN in 1915. 1921- Renamed H.M.A.S Cerberus. 1924 Reverted to the name Protector and sold out of service 1941- Requisitioned for war service with the U.S army Small Ships command. 1944- Damaged near gladstone and left on a reef off heron II and, where she now rests. -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.
Photograph - Digital, Troopship Wiltshire, 1918, c1918
The HMAT A18 Wiltshire (1912-1922) weighed 10,390 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. Described as a refrigerated steamship it was b uilt 1912 by John Brown, Clydebank for the Federal S N Co Ltd, London and was propelled by a twin screw, quadruple expansion engine 2 x 4 cylinders each 6500 hp. Owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, it was leased by the Commonwealth until 2 October 1917. It embarked from Egypt on 2 February 1918. On 18 October 1914 at Melbourne embarked the 4th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria) A, B & C squadron & their Machine Gun Section, the 2nd Field Ambulance (Victoria) First Division. The disembarked the 4th Light Horse Regiment in Egypt on 10 December 1914. On 01 November 1914 The Wiltshire assembled with the first convoy at King George's Sound, Albany Western Australia in transporting the first detachment of the Australian and New Zealand Imperial Expeditionary Forces. It completed nine transport voyages from Australia commencing 18 October 1914 until final voyage from Sydney 9th November 1918. During that time The Wiltshire carried the 4th Field Artillery Brigade (Victoria) 2nd Division Artillery and their 1st Reinforcements, 1st Division Ammunition Column 1st Division Artillery 4th Reinforcements, thirty-four Infantry Battalion Reinforcements, the 10th, 11th & 12th Field Artillery Battery (Victoria) 4th Field Artillery Brigades, the 4th Brigade Ammunition Column 4th Field Artillery Brigade, the 1st Siege Artillery Brigade 15th Reinforcements, the 4th Light Horse Regiment (Victoria) A, B & C squadron & their Machine Gun Section, six Light Horse Brigade Reinforcements, the 1st Veterinary Section (New South Wales) 11th Reinforcements, the 1st Mobile Veterinary Section (New South Wales) 1st Division 11th Reinforcements, the 2nd Mobile Veterinary Section (Victoria, New South Wales) 2nd Division 11th Reinforcements, the 1st Cyclist Battalion (New South Wales and Queensland) 3rd Reinforcements, the 2nd Field Ambulance (Victoria) First Division & Medical Officers. After the conclusion of World War One is was wrecked Rosalie Bay, Great Barrier Island New Zealand 31 May 1922 on passage London for Dunedin. Onboard was a crew of 103 plus 1 stowaway, and 10,000 ton of general cargo. No lives lost and is now a well frequented 'Dive' wrecksite. (http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hmat.htm#A18)Photographic postcard of the troopship Wiltshire out at sea.world war one, world war, wiltshire, troop ship, mmm -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Wooden Plaque
... Dutch wrecks - all ships of the VOC - Vereennigde East Indian... the five known Dutch wrecks - all ships of the VOC - Vereennigde ...The VOC sent its trading ships to the (then) Dutch East Indies to collect spices and other goods. In the 17th century accurate navigation was not always possible and ships might end up on the wild, unchartered West Australian coastline. Item recalls the fact that the WA coast was unintentionally visited by Dutch ships during the 17th and 18th centuries. Because the coast was so unattractive the Dutch did not try to settle the country.Large rectangular timber plaque with scalloped edges depicting historic shipwrecks of Western Australia.An insert reads: "Historic Shipwrecks of Western Australia (Protected as of 1983). Coastal cities are marked with their names and dots along the coastline indicate wreck sites. Most are named and dated; others marked as unidentified. An inset map deals with the area around Fremantle and shows a large number of wrecks. A separate typed notice attached to the map identifies the five known Dutch wrecks - all ships of the VOC - Vereennigde East Indian Compagnie (Dutch East India Company). Further than that there are a distance scale and a compass. -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Framed Photograph
Photograph in a white frame of cargo ship "IOANNIS K" that ran aground and wrecked after hitting a small island of the coast of VIetnam on route from Saigon to Singapore 3/1/68ss ioannis k -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Print, HMAS Sydney
HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940. On 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia she was lost at sea with all hands after engaging the German raider Kormoran. On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy with an impressive record of war service, was lost following a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. The loss of the Sydney with its full war complement of 645 remains Australia’s worst naval disaster. The Kormoran was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 were rescued. The fate of the Sydney remains one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries; even the location of the wrecks was not established until 2008.Black plastic frame with moulded pattern with grey mount containing photograph of ship and Sydney Harbour BridgeBanner - HMAS Sydney HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940 Lost at sea with all hands 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia after engaging the German raider Kormoran. hmas sydney, ww2 -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Ship Railing, 1895
... Anglesea great-ocean-road "Inverlochy" wrecked 1902. inverlochy ..."Inverlochy" wrecked 1902.Part of the railing from the "Inverlochy" which wrecked in 1902 on the "Ingoldsby" reef, Anglesea River, 1902. Includes three nails protruding at right angles from the wooden piece.inverlochy, ship railing -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Ship's log, Log of the "Inverlochy", 1899 - 1901
The "Inverlochy" was wrecked off Anglesea in 1902.Mostly loose-leaf pages covering period 1899 - 1901. Log is held in 12 archival folders, housed in archival slip case. inverlochy, ship's log -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Items from ship "Joseph H. Scammell"
1. Piano key from the wreck of the "Scammell". 2. Shavings of hull timber from the "Scammell" and few pieces of plywood contained in glass jar. 3. Shavings of hull timber from the "Scammell" plus small block of wood in large glass jar.1. "Key from piano of wrecked 'Scammell' / Point Danger Torquay 1891". 2. "From the wreck of the Joseph H. Scammell / May 8 1891 Torquay". Written in pen on both sides of key.joseph h. scammell, piano key -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Gippsland Heritage Journal - issue 19, 1996
No 19 of series showcasing aspects of Gippsland Victoria history. this issue has articles on Wonthaggi, Wattle Bark Industry, Bargwanaths, career and wreck of the Shah, Serbs migrants in Latrobe Valley, Briagolong, Aboriginals, Great War Nurses, roadsideaboriginals, township, ships and shipping -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Loney Jack, Wrecks on the Gippsland Coast, 1968
... Entrance gippsland Shipwrecks Ships and Shipping Lighthouses A J ...Shipwrecks and incidents along the coast and in Bass Strait from Point Nepean to Cape Howe. Indexes of Ships and Localities included. Some ship illustrated.A J and H Murrell stamped on first pageshipwrecks, ships and shipping, lighthouses -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Loney Jack, Wreck 1891 and other Maritime Memories, 1992
Full descriptions of the wrecks of the 'W B Godfrey', Joseph H Scammell, Craiburn, 'Gambier'and 'Fiji' on the Victorian coast in 1891, plus many other maritime stories and mysteries from the authors research collection. Indexed Illustrated with photographships and shipping, shipwrecks -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Loney Jack, Wrecks Along the Great Ocean Road, 1967
Account of many of the shipwrecks which occurred on the west coast of Victoria from 1839 to 1964. Some information on lighthouses, rocket crews,and cliff rescue squads. Index of ships, glossary of rigging terms.maritime history -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Loney Jack, Sea Adventurers and Wrecks on the New South Wales South Coast, 1977
Coastal shipping and some shipwrecks on the south coast of New South Wales, 1826 to 1976. Indexed chronologically, illustratedships and shipping -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, LERHS, Wreck of Bogong, 2008c
Information on the disastrous foundering and loss of life from the S S Glenelg on the Gippsland coast near Lakes Entrance Victoriashipwrecks, ships and shipping -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, M Holding, Inquests of Capt D Davidson1870 Capt Campbell 1887 William Charles Williams 1899, 2015
Information on the wreck of the SS Bogong off the coast also copies of legal papers concerning the will and estate of Edward Henfry Huysmans one of three brothers drowned Gippsland Victoriashipwrecks, ships and shipping, inquests -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Reinelt W H, Wreck of the Monumental City, 1983 c
History of S.S. Riverina with additional History of the Huddart Lineships and shipping -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Harvey, Peter, Gippsland s Lucky City - A History of Sale, 1999
A study of the wooden paddle steamer Clonmel, wrecked on the South Gippsland coast in January 1841, at what became known as Port Albert.ships and shipping, settlers, historic sites, conservation -
Peterborough History Group
Book, Jack Loney, Wrecks Along The Great Ocean Road, 1975
Shipwreck information from Point Lonsdale to PortlandReferences to local shipwrecks and to the town of Peterborough by a district historian.145 page soft cover book with an index to ships and index of surnames.First edition 1967, this edition further revised 1975shipwreck coast, schomberg, young australia, falls of halladale, newfield, antares, peterborough 3270, jack loney -
Peterborough History Group
Book, The Wreck of the "Falls of Halladale": An account from the Diary of Jessie Scott Macgillivray, Peterborough, 1908-1911, 2009
This second impression of 'The Wreck of the "Falls of Halladale" was produced after the events of November 2008 commemorating the centenary of the loss of the ship.Lifelong resident's diary 1908-1911.A4 bound photocopy of bookletfalls of halladale-shipwreck, shipwreck coast, peterborough 3270, jessie scott macgillivray, peterborough shipwrecks -
Peterborough History Group
Memorabilia - 160th Anniversary Schomberg Satchel, Peterborough History Group, 2015
Items created for the anniversary of the wreck of the Schomberg and displayed in the Peterborough Hall as part of the anniversary celebrations. Sea Shanty lyrics include a reference to Bully Forbes, Captain. All Schomberg information pertains to display and presentation at the time of the anniversary of the shipwreck celebration in 2015.Plastic zipped satchel containing collected information about the wreck of the Schomberg, created for the 160 year anniversary of the wreck of the Schomberg. Items included are: transcription of the diary of James Hopkins journey on the Schomberg; transcription of the diary of Thomas Angove, passenger on the Clipper ship the Schomberg; 14 large print pages summarising the story of the Schomberg and including lyrics of Blow Boys, Blow, a halyard sea shanty; Ron Cashmore's input.James Hopkins original diary held in the UK, this copy for display by he Peterborough Residents Association, Peterborough History Group. Thomas Angove original diary held in the UK, this copy for display by he Peterborough Residents Association, Peterborough History Group.rex mathieson, ron cashmore, bully forbes, schomberg rock, peterborough 3270, the schomberg, schomberg-shipwreck, shipwreck, sea shanty, captain bully forbes -
Peterborough History Group
Book, Jack Loney, Falls of Halladale
Falls of Halladale wrecked to the West of Peterborough and the rocky point of land is now named Halladale Point. the book includes information about the history of the ship and photos of her in action, as well as information and photos of the wreck.Jack Loney researched and wrote a number of books about many shipwrecks along the Victorian coast. This limited edition book summarises the history of the barque Falls of Halladale, which wrecked just to the west of Peterborough and includes interesting photos of the ship at sail and as a wreck on the reef.A3 landscape style spiral bound book with stiff, cardboard pages. Limited editionInside it is noted that this is copy number 452 of 1000 copies, and is signed by the author. Also inscribed in pencil is " Donated by Barry Jenkins"shipwrecks, peterborough, falls of halladale, jack loney -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Teacup
The Orungal was originally built in Glasgow in 1923 for the Khedival Mail Steamship & Graving Dock Company of Egypt and named the S.S. Fezara. Due to the effects on steamship companies of the Great Depression including the steep costs of building new ships and increases in running costs and port charges, no new passenger ships had been ordered in Australia since before World War One. To meet demand for passenger berths, the Fezara (5826 tons) along with its sister ship the Famaka (5856 tons, renamed Ormiston), were chartered by the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company Ltd (A.U.S.N.Co.) in 1927. Both the A.U.S.N.Co and the Khedival Mail Steamship Co. were part of the P&O Group. The Orungal operated in this role as an interstate passenger and mail steamer between 1927 and 1940, being used mainly on the Melbourne to Queensland and Western Australian runs, with 240 single class berths. Following the outbreak of World War Two six of the nine large passenger liners servicing mainland Australian passenger and mail trades were requisitioned by the Government to ferry equipment, troops and supplies. Some of them were converted to armed merchant cruisers and used for patrol work and escort duties in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Orungal had originally been requisitioned by the government along with the Zealandia on 25 June 1940, to transport troops to Darwin, but was returned to commercial service because "of her unsuitability", perhaps too slow for the demands of the work. Despite being rejected for patrol and convoy duties the Orungal still had a vital role as one of only three passenger liners left to service the mainland Australian trade. Following its requisitioning by the Government shortly after war broke out, it had been fitted out with defensive armament. On its final voyage arriving at Port Phillip Heads from Sydney, Captain Gilling was attempting to enter the Heads ahead of a worsening south-westerly storm and, with a minefield known to have been laid in the area, had been warned by the Navy not to deviate from the swept channel. The captain and crew held fears that in the stormy seas a mine may have been carried away. In the worsening weather a blur of lights at Barwon Heads was mistaken for Port Lonsdale, and the Orungal steamed ashore onto Formby Reef, just east of the entrance of the Barwon River - instead of passing safely through the middle of the Rip. At the Marine Board Inquiry Capt. Gilling - who had been master of the Orungal since 1926 - stated that after becoming uneasy about his position and changing course to starboard one point: " At 10.21 pm I ordered the engine room to stand by and gave instructions for the patent log to be hauled in and for the sounding-gear to be got ready. Approximately two minutes later, in a flash of lightning, I saw land off the port beam. I immediately recognised it as Barwon Heads, and ordered the helm to be put hard to starboard, but the vessel struck before she had time to answer the helm" Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove residents were startled to hear the shrill blast of the ship's whistle, followed by the bright flares and explosions of signal rockets. The Queenscliff lifeboat crew, who had responded to the tragic collision between the Goorangai and another passenger liner the Duntroon in Port Phillip Bay less than 24 hours earlier, were later praised for their efforts in safely taking off all the passengers and crew. Most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the wreck, and were woken up by the commotion, the ship shaking "from stem to stern" and stewards ordering them to lifeboat stations in driving rain. It was a dramatic time with the ship siren wailing and distress rockets being fired. It was reported that "When it was found the ship was safe, the passengers all went to the music room. There they sang and danced for several hours. The ship's orchestra played merrily, and amateur performers among the passengers clowned, danced and sang to keep the laughter going. In the early hours of the morning passengers went to their cabins, most of them to sleep soundly while the keel grated on the rocks". At dawn the Queenscliff lifeboat arrived at the scene having been launched at 2.30am, and cautiously approached the ship which was being "battered by mountainous seas". By 5am oil from a burst oil line was helping to calm seas around the Orungal sufficiently enough for the lifeboat to approach, and all the passengers and crew were taken off in several trips by the lifeboat. A Court of Inquiry later found that the wreck was caused by an abnormal set of current to the north-west and cleared the officers and crew of neglect of duty. The sight of a huge liner almost on the beach saw an unprecedented amount of traffic as people drove an estimated 10,000 cars, using some 60,000 gallons of fuel in a time of strict petrol rationing, to see the spectacle. Salvage operations began in an attempt to refloat the vessel, scheduled for the high tide on 15 December 1940. However, during these operations, at 2.30 am on 13 December 1940, a major fire broke out, believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion in the boiler room. The ship was soon ablaze, with smoke pouring from its hatches and ventilators, and at mid-morning the magazine exploded fiercely. Of the 60 men working aboard the vessel two were severely burned and had to be taken to Geelong Hospital. The gathered spectators witnessed the eerie sight of the ship's hull glowing red when night fell. The well-known building demolition contractor Whelan the Wrecker bought the salvage rights, and methodically proceeded to dismantle the ship and its fittings. The drama was not yet over for the wreckers when - without warning - the burnt-out hulk was 'attacked' by RAAF for strafing practice. Salvage rights were transferred to another private owner in 1963. By 1945 the combined effects of the exposed location, fire and salvage had seen what was left of the wreck disappear beneath the waves. The site today is marked by two of the four Scotch type boilers sitting upright and exposed at low tide, just north-east of the small boats channel at the entrance to Barwon Heads. Large sections of steel hull plating and framing, and impressively large pieces of ships structure and machinery including masts, booms, deck winches, propeller shaft, flywheel, and a thrust block lie scattered about and make the site an interesting shallow dive. It is interesting to compare the site of the Orungal with the intact remains of similar large passenger ships scuttled in deep water in the Ships' Graveyard, such as the Milora and Malaita. The site is subject to waves and surge, and is best dived on flat calm days The teacup originated from the SS Orungal and was likely used heavily in the ship's life as a passenger, mail and cargo carrier around Australia. The teacup is significant for its connections to SS Orungal and of this ships connected story of being sunk in extraordinary circumstances in the local region. A.U.S.N. Co. Ltd. Teacup salvaged from SS Orungal ss orungal, fezara, world war two, barwon heads, ocean grove -
Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum
Ceramic - Pot Fragment
The fragments of pot were found in 20 meters of water off of the South Channel Light, Port Phillip Bay. They are believed to be from the ship 'Hurricane' that sank in the vicinity on April 22,1864. The Hurricane was a three-masted iron ship, weighing 1198/979 tons. Built on the Clyde, Scotland in 1853. Lbd 214.9 x 30.7 x 20 ft. It was one of the first large iron sailing ships built for the Australian trade during the gold rush, and one of the fastest clippers on the Australian run. Her maiden voyage from Glasgow to Melbourne with 256 passengers took eighty-seven days, and the return to London eighty-three days. In 1856 she was converted to an auxiliary screw vessel and continued in the Australian trade until lost. Under Captain D.H. Johnston (former master of the Lightning), inward bound from Liverpool with 2000 tons of general cargo and 19 passengers, grazed a rock entering Port Phillip, sank off Arthurs seat, 21 April 1869. Passengers and crew transferred to the tug Titan. The wreck was relatively intact until the late 1960s, when it was blasted by Ports and Harbours engineers who considered it to be a navigational hazard, spreading wreckage over a wide area. Despite this, the stern of the ship still stands about three metres above the sand. The wreck of the "Hurricane" in Port Phillip Bay and the accompanying story of the nearby lighthouse, the South Channel Pile Light, tell the story of early shipping within Port Phillip Bay, pre federation. 3 pieces of encrusted pot fragment all roughly A5 paper sizeshipwreck, port phillip bay, ship hurricane, south channel light -
Torquay and District Historical Society
Domestic object - Glass Dish, 1884
The Joseph H Scammell sailed from New York on 13th January 1891 bound For Melbourne Australia. On 7th May 1891 she hit rough weather outside Port Phillip Bay, and hit the reef 400 metres off Port Danger, at Torquay. The people on board were rescued the next day but the ship broke up and cargo and goods were strewn along the foreshore. An auction of goods was conducted by Burns and Sparrow and this dish was purchased by Edwin Molyneaux, one of the Founding Fathers of Torquay, and donated by his Great Grand daughterThis item was rescued from the only shipwreck off Torquay. The focus of this wreck has formed part of Torquay's history and folkloreA solid rectangular clear cut glass dish, part of collection from the Joseph H. Scammell.Original Note of unknown author "off /Joseph H/Scammell/May7th 1891glass dish, wreck of joseph h scammell