Items in collection of K.W. Peatling. Refer to Cat 5140.2, Box 173 for his service details.Pouch - water proof, green and black camouflage colours, lid flap cover has a stud hole and green cord to attach to a section on the pouch with a stud hole, rear has a metal sliding keeper to attach to a military webbing belt.equipment, camouflage, pouch

Items in collection of K W Peatling. Refer Cat 5140.2, Box 173 for his service details. The kidney shape is for fitting into a kidney shaped steel mug which then fits into a webbing pouch for fitting against the body. This type was used through the Vietnam era and beyond.Green plastic water bottle, kidney shaped with screw top lid attached.For water only, do not apply canteen to open flame or burner plates. On the base, US 1966.water bottle, equipment

Item issued to Richard Noel levy RAAF No 428329. Refer Cat No 4919.3 for service history.Emergency Flying Ration RAAF, outer cover in two pieces clear plastic, inner plastic container with ration items, sterilisation tablets, small plastic bag with string attached possibly for water sterilising.On tag inside “4/44”accessory, flying ration, emergency

Letter written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF while on his way to England. Refer cat No 4138.3P for his service details..1) Letter with YMCA logo, yellow colour paper, print in red and black, hand written in black pen mostly in pencil. .2) Envelope, YMCA logo, stamped in black RH corner, red oval stamp on left, hand written address to in black pen, a pencil entry unclear.Letter main points, “On Water, Aug 13th 1916”, “Dear Marian & all”. Envelope stamp, “Army Post Office A 14 de 16 S.W.4”. Addressed to, “Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid Victoria Australia” Oval red stamp, “1984” readable.letters, envelopes, ymca

A soldier's book produced almost entirely by soldiers in the field under active service conditions to send to their friends in Australia and abroad. Australian Lighthorse men is a type peculiar his own and has no counterpart in h is NZ brother. His fearlessness, initiative and endurance, and his adaptability to almost any task, are due to the adventurous life he leads in his own country where he has been accustomed to long hours in the saddle, day and night, and to facing danger of all sorts from his earliest youth.Brown front and back hardcover with dark brown text 'Australia in Palestine' with a light horseman framed in centre of front cover. The spine is green with text Australia in Palestine, Angus and Robertson bottom of spine. Evidence of water on front cover. Silverfish have eaten top right hand corner of first two pages. Farm scene in four boxes with AR in the lower corner of each square. Inside front and back covers are illustrations of a camel train and came corps in the desert with the rising sun in the background with a mountain. There is a grave and white cross in their foreground right lower corner Illustrations, photographs, poems, short stories, Centre foldout of the Battle for Richon Le Zion and Battle of Beersheba and after the Battle of Bir El Abed To the memory of fallen comrades. Pen mark inside W. Mathews Larabattle of beersheba, battle of richon ze zion, battle of bir er abd, camel corps, lighthorse, slush light, sir h.g. chauvel, mounted division at kantara, medical services, signal engineers, katia oasis, new zealand mounted troops, sir edmund h allenby, walers story, 5th lighthorse, romani, ww1, world war 1, australian army

This bottle may have belonged to John (Jack) Henry Teale (NX 53563). Teale was born in Riverstone, New South Wales and enlisted on 20 March 1918 at the age of 18 years and 8 months, joining the 33rd Battalion/1st Infantry Depot Battalion A Company in Liverpool; though interestingly, the stamps on his enlistment certificates predate the date of enlistment. Teale's next of kin is listed as his mother, Rebecca; on both enlistment forms, John's father, George's name is crossed out and replaced by his mother. Both parents are confirmed as being alive in a separate attestation document from 22 February, documenting parental permission for enlisted soldiers under 21 years. John Henry Teale sailed from Sydney to Liverpool via HMAS Osterley (also known as RMS or SS Osterley).This bottle was owned by John Henry Teale, a young enlistee from New South Wales. The service number inscriptions provide great research significance, allowing for research into the service history of the owner. The bottle is representative of the uniform and equipment issued to servicemen of the period, the First World War and when compared with other examples, is in comparatively good condition with the casing mostly intact. Dark blue enamelled metal eliptical-cylindrical shaped bottle with flat top and base, fastened at the top with a cork. Cork has metal handle at top with string attached (now broken where attaches to bottle). Bottle is cased in khaki woollen material, hand sewn in places and detached in others. Bottle is carried via a series of leather straps, one of which passes beneath the bottle and runs up the left and right side, ending in a loop attached to a brass metal circle and held in place with a stud/rivet; this strap carries stamped service number. Two leather straps encircle the bottom horizontally and are fastened with studs. Upper strap has service number stamped. Long leather strap passes through metal circles and each end attaches to canvas strap which sits on the shoulder. Canvas strap carries service number also. Strap is adjustable and has several punched holes through which a buckle can pass.Inscribed on canvas strap in ink: "NX53563". On middle of leather strap: "53563". On leather strap under bottle: "53563". On horizontal leather strap: "53563". john henry teale, jack teale, 1st infantry depot battalion, 33rd battalion, world war i, world war one, first world war, the great war, equipment, uniform

Typical Navy Cap of the Period 1954/55Cap Australian Rating, White water proof top. black band and chin strap, Tally Band With RANR NS. Stamped inside A A BONNETT. Also a very thin chin strap of black elastic. Two metal vent holes on each side. Leather sweat band.Cap Navy approximately 1954/55. Tally band RANR NS

Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details.Blue enamel water bottle covered with a khaki woolen cloth. Bottle is then secured in a khaki webbing pouch. Pouch has 2 straps for connecting to a webbing belt. The bottle's cork has a metal cap with a ring on top. A piece of cord is attached to prevent loss.Stamped on cork cap: Rider & Bell, Sydneyequipment, container, military, webbing

(.1) The men are from C Coy 1 RAR firing SLR rifles at the Battalions jungle training area KOTA TINGI in south Malaya. (.2) Pte John GILES at LASAH north Malaya, operational camp for A Coy 1 RAR. (.3) Pte Victor ALLEN A Coy 1 RAR in north Malaya base camp with “FEARLESS” a 3 month old mascot who wandered into the camp and stayed. While ever music was on FEARLESS would listen. (.4) The soldier in forefront is Max (Dad) KELLY. Served 2nd AIF, BCOF, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. The photos relate to the collection of William Francis (Dinky DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service details. All photos are B & W. (.1) Five men on a range shot, four men shooting, a typed sheet attached with details. (2) A soldier kneeling aiming an SLR, a typed sheet attached with details. (.3) Soldier and small dog listening to a radio, atypical sheet attached with details. (.4) Two soldiers patrolling with rifles. (.5) Soldier splashing water over himself. (.6) Soldiers on parade right dressing. (.7) Two soldiers patrolling walking on a log. (.8) Two soldiers reading a book on Malaya. (.9) Two soldiers adjusting slings on their SLR’s. (.10) Two Officers seated having a cup of tea. (.11) Soldier kneeling aiming a shotgun. (.12) Soldier drinking from a water bottle. (.13) Soldier kneeling with a small black dog. (.14) Soldier holding an SLR rifle. (.15) Two soldiers leaning out of an aircraft. (.16) Soldier playing a guitar. (.17) Two soldiers kneeling holding a tin of food. All photos are stamped on the rear in purple. “Public Relations Australian Army Force, GHQ FARELF” (then either) “ELL & a number” or GUN & a Number MC”photography, military, malaya

“FARELF” Far East Land Forces (Malaya) “BCFK” British Commonwealth Force Korea. All photos relate to the collection of Francis William (Dinky) DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service history.All photos are B & W. (.1 - .4) Three soldiers sitting at a table with one standing looking over. (.5) Soldier throwing water over himself. (.6) Soldier kneeling with an Owen gun aimed. (.7) Soldier cleaning a weapon. (.8) Two soldiers looking out through an aeroplane door. (.9) Soldier, no shirt on aiming a pistol. (.10) Soldier with a dart or rod in his mouth. (.11) Soldier kneeling aiming what appears to be a shotgun. (.12) Soldier inspecting the bar real of an Owen gun. (.13) Soldier inspecting a pistol. (.14 - .15) Two Nurses talking to two soldiers. (.16) Large group of soldiers on the deck of a ship.(.1 - .15) On rear stamped in purple. “Public relations Australian Army Force GHQ FARELF, GUN ....... MC” After GUN on each photo is an individual number. (.16) On rear stamped in purple. “Photo No, please credit to Public relations HQ BCFK” In pencil. “2961”photography, military, korea, malaya

The item may have a part missing at the bottom, it’s use is unknown at present. Item relates to "Alan Walter Mason" VX 140967. Refer Cat No 3979.2 for his service details.Card, brown water proof with section for personnel details and a numbering system from 1- 40 with an area to be signed by an authorising Officer. Black printed with hand written in black.2/10 Aust Port OP Coy AATnC VX 140967 "Pte Mason A.W".authorisation, military, alan walter mason

Item issued to Reginald Charles Allardice No 418557 RAAF, refer Cat No 3627.5 for his service details.First Field Dressing in a fine Kahki coloured water proof package. The item is still in its original plastic cover over the dressing.“First Field Dressing - To open - Contents - Directions, Do not handle gauze or dressing”wounds, dressings, military.

Item issued to Flying Officer Geoffrey Wilkin NEVILLE No 438263 RAAF. Refer Cat No 3291 for his Service History.RAAF full length coat, classed as Raincoat, water proof polyester complete with buttons, belt, black colour with lining. Patch on inside has a swallow inside a circle.Inside coat near neck: “Swallow raincoat”, “Guaranteed weatherproof”, “Fine in the rain”uniforms airforce, rain coat, raaf, accessory

Re. W.O. 2 R.M. ENGLISH\ 6 Coy R.A.A.S.C. 6 Coy R.A.C.T. Melb Water TPT Unit 15 TPT SQD R.A..C.T.Medal set, miniature, court mounted, wt of (4) Re R. ENGLISH. 1. Reserve Force Medal with one clasp 2. National Medal 3. Defence Medal 4.Anniversary of National Service Medal 1951 - 1972medals, military, history, passchendaele barracks trust

Herbert John FRASER enlisted 29.5.1940 in Bendigo, aged 26 years 2 months. No 401601 RAAF, KIA 19.11.1942 in the ill fated Freshman Mission to sabotage German development of an atomic bomb at the Vermock Heavy Water Plant in Norway.One page service conduct sheet re an RAAF Officer.documents - service records, military history - air force

Items belonged to Wayne Forbes No 3176337 RAE. Refer Cat No 754 for service history also 2586. Part of an extensive collection including his fathers..1) Toiletry bag, green water proof with green pull tight cord on 1 end. .2) Laundry bag, khaki cotton with white pull tight cord on 1 end..1) D (up arrow) D Made in Australia (up arrow) CGCF 1965 .2) CGCF (up arrow)1969military equipment - containers, toiletry, laundry

Item issued to Frederick Ernest ADDLEM VX142253. Refer Cat No 432.2 for his service history and 937P.Water bottle with khaki felt cover & khaki cotton webbing straps & brass buckle. Dark blue enamel metal bottle with metal stopper attached with cord.military equipment - army, containers

Ray Simpson VC, DCM. Refer 630 for his service history, WW2, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam. This portrait came as an extra to a large framed print of Australia’s 96 at the time Victoria Cross winners.Dark brown marbled effect timber frame, with gold inner edge glass, gold metal look name plate glued to glass at lower edge. Coloured print of a water colour painting of soldier RAYENE STEWART SIMPSON in uniform. Black print on gold name plate: SIMPSON Rayene Stewart VC Rank Warrant Officer Class II Unit: Australian Army Training Team: Vietnam Date: 6 and 11 May 1969 Place: Kontum Province, South Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam)portraits, illustrations-watercolour, aattv, vc

Items issued Geoff Murray No 3411521, refer Cat No 638P for his service details..1) Water bottle Australian, plastic , green with screw top lid, Kidney shape. .2) Water bottle carrier Australian , green webbing, felt lined with 2 steel clips on rear. .3) Mug, steel, Australian, Kidney shaped, has fold out steel handle..1) " 8465-71-10808703" .3) "8645-50-242-7843"uniforms, male, military equipment, contiainers

Belonged to Capt Warick Rosenthal No TX 6321 AAMC. Refer 622.3, 775. .1) Shaving mirror wallet, brown, water proof material .22) Record of service Book A.A.B 83 Aust Military Forces. Brown covers Re Service of TX6321 CAPT Rosenthal .W. .3) Demobilination Procedure Book A.A.B 87 No 345044 Australian Military Forces re TX6321 Capt Rosenthal .W.documents, military, service records, technical

Arthur George Holley No 13556 RAN. Refer 2134 for service history also 2137, 2147..1) Certificate of service re A.G Holley 13556 RAN. Water proof parchment paper 4 pages, yellowed, black and blue writing in ink, details his history, ships sailed on, awards, personnel etc. .2) RAN Trade Certificate re A.G Holley, Able Seaman, Seaman Torpedoman, parchment paper, yellowed, typed, pen and ink, details his proficiency. .3) RAN Certificate for Educational test Part One. Parchment paper, yellow certifying that A.G Holley 13556 has passed Educational test Part One dated 3.12.1923. .2) & .3) are attached inside .1) via a metal clip. documents, service, ran

Item in the collection of H.B. FIELD, 1st & 2nd AIF, refer Cat No 890P for his service details.Water Bottle and Carrier .1) Enamel. 2 pint, cloth covered, with cork .2) leather, with canvas shoulder pad leather strap.2) marked in ink by hand "E.L.SMITH"equipment, water bottles, military

Belonged to Thomas Henry ISER V24933 and VX102660 2nd AIF. Refer Cat No 383.2 for his service history..1) Australian Army issue enamel water bottle 2 pint capacity; with cork stopper attached by cord to bottle, dark khaki felt cover over. .2) Water bottle carrier, webbing (no strap).water bottles, webbing, military

Single person water filter bag used by World War 2 service personnel to obtain clear water when in the field. This filter type is known as a "Millbank Filter". The filter is in the form of a light green canvas bag shaped like a sock and is designed to collect and filter particles and parasites from groundwater, etc. The canvas is of a fine weave which allows the water to filter slowly from inside the bag. The top of the filter bag has brass eyelets set on opposite sides for hanging from a tree or other point during water filtering. On one side of the bag has been stamped in permanent black ink 'CAT No A.F.0005' and 'M&Co.(N) BROAD ARROW 1945'. A cotton label has been sewn near the bag top with a printed six step instruction list for use of the filter bag. Below this is a line marked in permanent black marker to let the user know when to start collecting the water draining from the bag.The bag is imprinted with the following: 'CAT No A.F.005' and has a square box imprint with 'M&Co.(N) ^ 1945'.

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Fresh-Water Fishes of Europe Author: H G Seeley Publisher: Cassell & Co Date: 1886Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 597.09294 SEE Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Fly page has a stamp from the Warrnambool Public Museum warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the fresh-water fishes of europe, h g seeley

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The International Scientific Series Vol 69 Introduction to Fresh-Water Algae with an Enumeration of all the British Species Author: M C Cooke Publisher: Keegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1890Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 589 COO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, the international scientific series vol 69, m c cooke

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