Prior to 1901, sailing pilot cruising cutters were "Boomerang", "Corsair", "Anonyma", "Proserpine", "Rip", "Mavis" and "Hawk". In 1901 the pilots took delivery of their first steam powered pilot cutter, "Victoria", 46 metres in length, built at Williamstown. "Victoria" was followed by "Alvina", "Akuna", "Akuna II" and in 1953, "Wyuna", a twin-screw diesel electric pilot cutter 63 metres long. "Wyuna" served until November 1979 and was then sold to the new Nautical College at Launceston for use as a training ship. The system for getting pilots on and off ships at sea was for the ship to stop dead in the water with the wind and sea broad on the beam. The pilot cutter would round the ship's stern, manoeuvre into the lee and lower the 18ft. workboat which, with a crew of two, transferred the pilots to and from their ships.Chief Officer's Log Bok from SS Victoria from June 1930 to June 1931log book, port phillip sea pilots, ss victoria

250-page hardcover book with colour photos and illustrations; On the dust jacket paiting of a cutter in wild weathernon-fictionThe age of sails Piracy in Port Phillip Lost at sea The threat of war and much more.port phillip sea pilots, port phillip bay, george tobin, brendan moloney, port phillip, sea pilots, interest group

Leather like material Covers with silver inlaid tittle. Same leather type material covering cardboard slip case with silver inlaid crest.non-fictionport phillip sea pilots, interest group, port phillip, sea pilots, victoria, brendan monoley

PPSP operating licence was granted to founder George Tobin by Governor Gipps of New South Wales (pre Federation) on condition that “the appointment must not bring any expense on the Government”. The service is unique in that it is fully Australian- owned and operated by its pilots in keeping with the terms of the original appointment.A set of 7 postcards from the Port Phillip Sea Pilots showing Pilot Stations in Queenscliff and Westernport, 3 pilot launches; Hawk II, Petrel, Thorsen and launches welcoming square rigger 'Dar Mlodziezy' in 1988postcards, pilot station building, pilot launches

The cash box was used at the Williamstown Customs House.Cash box in use by the Port Phillip Sea Pilot Service for many years.a tin cash box inscribed with Port Phillip Sea Pilots on front sideChubb's Patent: Makers to her Majesty: 1456475: 28 Queen Victoria St: London. Port Phillip Sea Pilots on the outside.ppsp, sea pilot service, cash box

Port Phillip Sea PilotsHistorical newspaper clippings about Port Phillip's Sea Pilots' history.News articles & notices re Port Phillip's Sea Pilots over the years Reverse " NIL ".historical references

From the Wyuna, a twin-screw diesel electric pilot cutter. Introduced in 1953 and served with the Port Phillip Sea Pilots until 1979.The MV Wyuna served as a Pilots tender from 1953 to 1979 before fast pilot boats were introduced. During this time the Wyuna would lower a work boat to transfer a pilot onto a ship which would have had to come to a full stop to allow transfer, thus losing time and extra fuel. Today the fast pilot boats come along side a still moving vessel to allow pilot access outside Post Phillip Heads. Brass ships clock from galley of pilot vessel Wyuna. White face, black roman numerals. port phillip sea pilots, mv wyuna, gally clock

Used from 1897-1899 Used on Pilot Vessel Mavis Purchased by PPSP in 1872Brown Hard Coverlog, mavis, schooner, port phillip sea pilots

The Company of Master Mariners of Australia is an association established to promote the interests and status of the Merchant Navy generally and of Master Mariners in particular. The Company was founded in 1938 by Capt. A.N. Boulton, MBE, VRD, BCom, ExC and became an incorporated body in 1988. The Company of Master Mariners of Australia Limited is a not for profit professional association that is limited by guarantee. The Company has five Branches based in Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.Captain John Noble is a former sea pilot and authorPlaque of the Company of Master Mariners of AustraliaCompany of Master Mariners of Australiaport phillip sea pilots, captain john noble, the company of master mariners

This drum winch was used by the Pilot Service to haul dinghies into the work shed in Tobin Drive Queenscliff. It was situated on the slip way on the fishermen's pier.This drum winch was used by the Pilot Service when it was situated on the slip way on the fishermen's pier in Queenscliff.Drum winch used by the Port Phillip Pilotswinch, port phillip sea pilots

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of two Navy pilots from the Sea King anti-submarine helicopter on board "the Vung Tau Ferry" HMAS Sydney, delivering the 9th Battalion to war service. They prepare to take off on patrol once HMAS Sydney reached the waters off Vietnam.photograph, ran, wessex, hmas sydney, vung tau ferry, 9th battalion, anti-submarine, sea king, navy, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, australian navy pilots, sea king anti-submarine

A portable radio receiver and VHF transmitter used by the Sea Pilot Service. An early model used from about 1956 for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication during arrival and departure procedures.Used by the Port Phillip Pilot service in the 1950sMiniphone radio receiver / transmitter and carry bag MFD by Commonwealth Electronics Pty Ltd Type No 180TRN Serial No 184communication, radio receiver and transmitter

The ship was built in 1953 by Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow, Scotland for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots organisation (Melbourne)as a pilot cutter. The ship was launched in 16th April 1953 and more information is required on the bell specifically. A large, heavy brass ships bell. This bell is missing it's rope and ringer. The bell is tarnished in keeping with it's age. A broad lip around the bottom. - Engraving on front face of bell. - T.S.M.V / WYUNA / 1953. - Post manufacture engraving on the bell hanger -PWC 2364

The ship was built in 1953 by Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow, Scotland for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots organisation (Melbourne)as a pilot cutter. The ship was launched in 16th April 1953 and more information is required on the bell specifically.Brass bell with brass ringer and macrame plaited clapper. Smooth cast top and bottom and rough cast in between. The rough cast hanger is on the top.The inscription on the rough cast is "Brisbane Trader/Melbourne/1969. bell, ship

Child's well worn leather boot found under the floor of a Sea Pilot's terrace house in Gellibrand Street. It was a custom for local people to place a child's shoe under the floorboards of a house to 'ward off evil spirits'.Child's boot, circa 1850sboot, folklore

Lifeboat crew on a lifeboatBlack & white photo of the lifeboat Queenscliffe's crew and Pilots at seaReverse - " John Rogers, Gus Rogers, last on R Glen Pettigrove "historical references

The ship was built in 1953 by Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow, Scotland for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots organisation as a pilot cutter. Her role as a pilot cutter was to sail with pilots on board to meet ships entering Port Phillip Bay. Pilots would be transferred by the Wyuna's workboat to the vessel requiring pilotage while it was stopped dead in the water, with shelter provided by the vessel itself.Brass Deck Light with globemv wyuna, port phillip pilot service

Photocopy of Sea fury F.B.II pilots note, unsure as to who did so.Historically Relevant due to focus on original pilots notes for the aircraft

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald.It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work.Invitation card to the dedication of a brass plaque in memory of Ethel Margaret Mustherethel margaret musther, st nicholas' mariners' chapel, nelson place, williamstown, lightkeepers' auxiliary

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald. It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work.Folded booklet on creamy colour paper and black inkethel margaret musther, st nicholas' mariners' chapel, nelson place, williamstown, lightkeepers' auxiliary, dr john thompson

A Williamstown local, Ethel Margaret Musther nee Barber (1872-1956) was the daughter of Captain John Henry Barber (1842-1924), a sea pilot and Janet Lidell (1846-1891) Her grandfather, Captain Lidell, was also a seaman. In 1900, she married Nathan George Musther,(18..-1933) a chemist, and dentist in the Navy. They had two daughters: Rosamund Janet Musther(born 1903) and Nanoya Gwendoline Musther (born 1906). She was the principal of the Ladies' College in Footscray. She was involved in many philantropic associations especially for sailors but also during WWI and WW2. She worked for the Anzac Club, the Red Cross, She formed: 1941: the R.A.N. Friendly Union of Sailor's Wives and Mothers. 1943: the Lightkeepers Auxiliary to help the Mission raised funds. The plaque was a gift of the Lightskeeper Auxiliaire and unveiled on 30 July 1959 at the St Nicholas Chapel, by her eldest daughter, Mrs Jean McDonald. It was originally on stained and polished hardwood mount made by Mrs Murdoch (AR1959, page 24). On the day, a desk service-book was also dedicated in memory of Dr John Thompson at the request of his daughter, Mrs Sparrow.In early 1943, Ethel Margaret Musther formed the Lightkeepers' Auxiliaire and raised funds for the third building purchased for the Williamstown branch of the Victorian Seamen's Mission, the former E,S & A Bank. Thanks to her philanthropic work, she was rewarded with a Medal of the British Empire in 1953 for all her charitable work. Large rectangular with decorative clover corner Engraved: "In affectionnante and grateful memory / of / Ethel Margaret Musther, M.B.E. / Founder of / The Williamstown Lightkeepers Auxiliary / Of the / Victoria Missions to Seamen / Remembered always for this and many other / Philantropic works / Died 17th of September 1956 / Her deeds live after her.1956, ethel margaret musther, m.b.e., medal of the british empire, 1953, lightkeepers' auxiliary, williamstown, seamen's mission

This journal provides the reader with glimpses of the adventures and hardships of a seaman's life. Many of the stories are of sailing ships.Contributes to our knowledge of the importance of shipping and places on record those stories of the sea which would otherwise be lost.Contents Editorial - Fifty Years Past - Miss S.A.E. Strom - 5 The Port of Melbourne — A Historical View - Andy Gash - 8 We Moved the Cargoes - J. Beggs - 15 A Chaplain’s Chatterings - W.S. McUtchen - 19 Pilots - Late C.E. Borwick - 26 Up the River — Down the River - Lloyd Taylor - 27 Port Services in the Nineteenth Century - M.A. Syme - 45 The Schooner Enterprise - Roy Stuart - Roy Stuart - 49 The Port Phillip Sea Pilot Service - Capt. Michael Carolin - 53 Streamers - G.M. Naug - 60 Errata - - 60 War Diary of H.M.A.S. Bendigo Part 2 1942 - T.W. Richardson - 61 Fire Fighting Services in the Port of Melbourne - Frank M. Stockton - 75 Shipwreck - A. Roland Jones - 81 The Diary of Peter Charles Iredale - Colin Wilson - 87 The John Oxley - R.N. Thiele - 95 The Volunteer - Bert Attwood - 100 Sailing in Wharanui - W.P. Shemmeld - 101 Book Reviews - - 110 The Most Fascinating Immigrant — Marco Polo - K. Shewan - 111sailing ships, steamships, shipping, seafaring life, shiplovers' society of victoria, dog watch

The ship was built in 1953 by Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow, Scotland for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots organisation as a pilot cutter. Her role as a pilot cutter was to sail with pilots on board to meet ships entering Port Phillip Bay. Pilots would be transferred by the Wyuna's workboat to the vessel requiring pilotage while it was stopped dead in the water, with shelter provided by the vessel itself. In the early 1970s the pilot service started using fast launches to allow pilots to board while ships were still underway, and in 1979 the Wyuna was sold to the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania as a training vessel. She continued in that role until 2004 when sold to Mineralogy Pty Ltd as an accommodation vessel. In September 2013 she was donated to the Western Port Oberon Association for the Victorian Maritime Centre currently at Crib Point. For a time she was docked at Beauty Point, Tasmania, and after being refurbished for 18 months she was to be moved to Docklands in Melbourne, Victoria. After this berth became unavailable the vessel was docked at Inspection Head Wharf in Beauty Point. After a period there it was towed into Bell Bay where she lays at anchor as of January 2016. When funding becomes available the Western Port Oberon Association has plans to display the vessel in a wet berth alongside the former Royal Australian Navy Oberon-class submarine HMAS Otama.Mr Henry HudsonBlack and white photograph of the Pilot Tender MV Wyuna partially obscured by a large wave at the rip, entrance to Port Phillip Bay.mv wyuna, port phillip pilot service, the rip, the heads, queenscliff, point lonsdale

Warrnambool was officially made a Port of Entry in 1855 and by the 1870s had became the dominant port in the Western District. Sadly, due to an increasing problem with silting in the harbour, by the 1890s only small vessels could navigate the harbour. Men with the position of Pilot and Harbourmaster in Warrnambool were employed by the government to enforce government regulations and to help guide vessels safely into the port of Lady Bay, which was difficult to navigate. Some of the Pilots and Harbour Masters of Warrnambool were – - Captain Christopher Gwatkin, the first Harbourmaster for Warrnambool (1857 - his death in 1859). - Captain Helpman was Warrnambool’s second Harbourmaster 1859-1869 - James Nicol was Harbourmaster in Warrnambool for a time, including 1906 (b. 1840 – d. 1926) - Thomas Smith Drewett (1853 - 15-3-1905) past Captain of the Helen Nicoll, Pilot and Harbourmaster of Warrnambool. Warrnambool’s Tourist Guide of 1888 advises that “At the Port of Warrnambool there are two Leading Lighthouses. A licensed sea pilot, Captain Drewett, is stationed at the Port.” In 1915 plans for the Pilot’s Quarters were drawn up for the Department of Public Work. It was at that time, when personnel was short due to the First World War, that apparently the Pilot and Harbourmaster was also responsible for maintaining the light (lighthouse). The new Pilot and Harbourmaster’s house would be built on the site at 88 Merri Street, overlooking Lady Bay and right beside the Flagstaff and the Lady Bay Upper Lighthouse. Other Pilot and Harbourmasters were - - James Menzies was the Pilot and Harbourmaster at Warrnambool in 1929 . In 1932, he was appointed to the position of Acting Secretary to the Warrnambool Harbour Board. A hundred or so years later Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has fully renovated the former Harbourmaster’s quarters, changed the name to Lighthouse Lodge, and is now allowing guests to stay in the home, which is still neighbour to the operational Lady Bay Lighthouses, now over 150 years old. The association of the old Pilot and Harbourmaster’s Quarters (currently renamed as Lighthouse Lodge) with the Port of Warrnambool, and its maritime activities, is historically significant. The Pilot’s quarters are connected to a time when access to Warrnambool’s Port was important to the colonial settlers for income and supplies. Plan of Pilots Quarters, Warrnambool. Printed and handwritten plan shows house, garage, out buildings and maid's room. The plan's lower left corner has an official stamp and text beside the stamp. Department of Public Works, Melbourne, Victoria, March 11th, 1915. "PILOTS QUARTERS WARRNAMBOOL" "Department of Public works, Melbourne, Victoria I.P.K. , 11.3.15"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, plan, pilot's quarters warrnambool, pilot and harbourmaster's quarters warrnambool, pilot and harbour master's quarters warrnambool, port of warrnambool, department of public works victoria, lady bay lighthouses, warrnambool ports and harbours

Two legatees with James Tierney and his Corps of Commissionaires service medal. The notes on the back infer that Legatees were involved in the commemoration of James Tierney's life by arranging his burial at sea. An article in The Age 6 Jan 1953 mentions that Jim Tierney was the first paid instructor employed by Legacy for physical training classes in 1927. He also became one of the two Commissionaires at the Shrine of Remembrance for 12 years up to 1953. The service medal he is receiving in the photo comes from the Corps of Commissionaires Association (Australia), which has information at http://www.thecorps.com.au. A summary: "The Corps of Commissionaires was founded in London 1859 by Sir Edward Walter KCB. The original aim was to provide to employment and welfare support for veterans of the Crimean War. The Corps of Commissionaires was established in Australia in New South Wales in 1939 and became based in Victoria in 1946. There are Corps members in all states in Australia from all three Australian military services. Our members range from World War 2 veterans through all conflicts to Timor and Peacekeepers. The Corps is currently an ex-service, welfare and philanthropic organisation that is located at the Veterans Centre in the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Victoria." The details of the three legatees mentioned are: Legatee Samuel J. Benson (Lieut.Commander) – born 12.7.1909, inducted 17 October, 1950, died 26.7.95. Served in WWII with the RAN for 6 years. He was a Junior Legatee before the war, and Legacy found him a job in the office of an Adelaide Shipping Company. After the war he became a Master Mariner, Sea Pilot. He was proposed as a Legatee by Stan Savige. Legatee Donald J. Simonson (Captain) – born 21.5.1920, inducted 27 July 1953, died 11.7.2010. Served in WWII in 39th Battn., Decorated with M.C. Worked as an Importer and Manufacturers Agent after the war. President of Melbourne Legacy 1970. Legatee Adrian Beattie (Captain) – born 21.3.1920, inducted 10.10.1950, died 8.8.1989. Served as a Signal Officer in 24th Btn. After the war worked as a Physiotherapist.A record of a type of work done by Legatees.Black and white photo of two Legatees and Jim Tierney.Front of photo has a typed label saying: "Jim Tierney receiving Commissionaire's Service Medal". The back "James Edward TIERNEY at Royal Park receiving Service Medal, Corps of Commissionaire. Buried at Sea (1963): by Legatees Sam Benson, Donald Simonson, Adrian Beattie, and families in Port Philip Bay by kind favour Port Philip Pilot Service" in blue ink.legatee event, jim tierney, boys classes

This is a booklet produced in 1967 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the aeroplane flights of Basil Watson in 1917 (the Mount Gambier to Melbourne 1917 Experimental Air Mail). In the 1967 Mount Gambier/Melbourne air mail flight re-enactment the aircraft was from Aviation Services (Hardingham) Limited, a Piper Cherokee, and on board was Douglas Watson, Basil Watson’s nephew. Basil Watson was a pioneer aviator who built his own plane which had a 50 H.P. Rotary Gnome engine. He flew the first aeroplane to Warrnambool in January 1917, bringing with him the first air mail to the town. In Warrnambool he amazed the crowds with his dare-devil aerial acrobatics over the Warrnambool Racecourse. He died two months later, crashing into the sea near Point Cook. This booklet is of great interest as it gives details of the life of Basil Watson, important in Warrnambool’s history as the first man to fly into the town in 1917 and the first person to bring air mail to Warrnambool, including a letter from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne to the Mayor of Warrnambool. This is a booklet of 16 pages produced to commemorate the Mount Gambier to Melbourne 1917 Experimental Air Mail Flight. It has a grey cover with black printing and an image of an early model aeroplane on the front cover. The text includes illustrations, maps and black and white photographs. The first page has two signatures. The booklet has been stapled but the staples have been removed.‘Donated by Mrs Giles W’bool’ ‘J.C.Hardingham, Pilot’ ‘D.Watson’ basil watson, history of aviation in victoria, history of warrnambool

This letter, the first air mail letter sent to Warrnambool, was written by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir David Valentine Hennessy and carried by the aviator, Basil Watson on the first flight to Warrnambool January 24th 1917. The letter was delivered to the Mayor of Warrnambool, Cr Webb.There were several other letters delivered at the same time but this is the important official one. Basil Watson was a pioneer aviator who built his own aeroplane which was 18 feet long with a wing span of 26 feet and it had a 7 cylinder 50 H.P. Rotary Gnome engine. Watson flew from Point Cook to Warrnambool in one hour 55 minutes, an Australian cross-country flying record at the time. In Warrnambool Watson amazed the crowd with his dare-devil aerial acrobatics, looping the loop 14 times over the Warrnambool Racecourse. Basil Watson died when he crashed his plane into the sea near Point Cook, just two months after he landed in Warrnambool. This letter is of the utmost significance being the first air mail letter delivered to Warrnambool. It is an important memento of the first aeroplane flight into Warrnambool by the pioneer aviator Basil Watson. This is a cream-coloured sheet of paper folded in two to make four pages. It has handwriting in black ink on two pages. The writing is a little faded. The first page has the logo of the Melbourne Town Hall. The pages are partly torn at the folds. ‘Town Hall, Melbourne, 21/1/17. Lord Mayor’s Room, Dear Mr Mayor, I have much pleasure in sending you greetings by aeroplane piloted by my friend’s son, Mr Basil Watson. I hope when the cruel war is over and victory crowns our efforts, we all in the C’wealth will be able to fly from one state to the other. With best wishes for the New Year, …….. (signature indecipherable), D.V. Hennessy. His Worship the Mayor of Warrnambool.’pioneer aviation in the western district, basil watson, history of warrnambool

This booklet relates the life of Basil Watson. It tells in detail his early life, background, his home built aeroplane, his display flights and his tragic death and the story since. This year marks 100 years since one of Australia’s pioneering aviators, Basil Watson arrived in Warrnambool and delivered the first airmail to the town. Basil Watson was born in Bendigo in 1894. His interest in aviation which began at a young age, took him to England at the commencement of WW1 where he worked at Brookland in aviation workshops and as a test pilot. Despite crashing and suffering injuries he was not deterred. He returned to Australia and by 1916 Basil had built his own plane. He soon took to the air performing tricks and barnstorming to the delight of onlookers. His connection to Warrnambool lies with his delivery of the first airmail to the town, an event which was filled with much excitement. Basil Watson, pioneer aviator landed his 50hp home built aeroplane on the racecourse on Saturday January 27th 1917, after a flight from Point Cook. The trip of 166 miles took just under two hours, and set a record non-stop cross country flight for Australia. Watson was heartily welcomed by the Mayor, to whom he delivered three letters, the first aerial post to Warrnambool. One of the letters, from the Mayor of Melbourne Sir David Hennessy to the Mayor of Warrnambool is now in the W&DHS collection: I have much pleasure in sending you greetings by aeroplane piloted by my friend, Mr Basil Watson. I hope when the cruel war is over and victory crowns our efforts, we, over the Commonwealth, will be able to fly from one State to the other. With best wishes for the New Year. Yours truly, DV Hennessy. Basil Watson was unfortunately killed two months after his historic visit to Warrnambool. While participating in an air show at Point Cook, the plane he was flying that day crashed into the sea. This booklet tells the story of an interesting part of Warrnambool and Australia's aviation history. It has special significance as it enlightens two significant items in our local collection, namely the letter which he delivered and the seat from his aircraft.A small 29 page booklet with blue and white photograph of Basil Watson in his aeroplane. It contains a number of black and white and some colour photographs. Introduction from the author, "This small booklet recognises the short career of Basil Watson. He came to my attention when researching the French aviator Maurice Guillaux who carried the first official air mail in Australia, Melbourne to Sydney in two and a half days 16/18 July 1914..... Tom Lockley 1 June 2017. Handwritten inside front cover,"These items may be of interest to add to your material about Basil Watson. Its a pity that the 100 year anniversary of his flight was not more widely recognised but thank you for mounting some of his records. Tom Hockley."warrnambool, basil watson, first airmail flight, aviation career of basil watson