Shipping disasters at QueenscliffeShipping disaster warning device B&W photo of the Wreck Bell at Queenscliffe.Reverse " NIL "history, shipping disasters

Collection of newspaper clippings from a wide range of dates and sourced from various newspapers. Topics are related to maritime events.This collection of newspaper clippings reflects the public's interest in maritime events from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century.Various newspaper articles on shipping disasters and general information dating from 1889-1912 1957-1960.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, newspaper clippings, newspaper articles, shipping articles, maritime articles

Volume 1 includes a hand written account of "The Wreck of the Steam-Ship NOSEL at the Lizard Point, August 26, 1882Book, one of a set of two, "My Memories of New Guinea 1944 Vol 1". Leather bound books with gold lettering. The bottom right corner of the cover has embossed in gold the initials 'G.A.R." This book contain newspaper cuttings, pictures and hand written notes on various ships and shipping disasters.gold lettering on cover "G.A.R."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, my memories of new guinea 1944 vol 1, my memories of new guinea 1944, steam-ship nosel, g.a.r.

Books, one of a set of two, "My Memories of New Guinea 1944 Vol 2". Leather bound books with gold lettering ("My Memories" lettering shows signs of wear). The bottom right corner of the cover has embossed in gold the initials “G.A.R." This book contain newspaper cuttings, pictures and hand written notes on various ships and shipping disasters.gold lettering on cover "G.A.R."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, my memories of new guinea 1944 vol 2, book

Lakes Entrance fishermen travelled to the Sale area to assist in the rescue of flood victims during 1930sSepia toned photograph of Lakes Entrance fishermen standing beside a boat on the tray of a small truck outside the Star Hotel Sale Victoriaships and shipping, floods, natural disasters

This copper nail, sometimes known as a ‘Dumpy Bolt’ or spike, was salvaged from the hull of the wreck of the “George III”. It dates back to at least 1810. It was found by an abalone diver on the south east coast of Tasmania. The nail would have been used to hold the layers of the ship’s keel frame and the planking together. The nail has been passed from the abalone diver to an interested business man on a trip to the south of Hobart, on again to the business man’s close friend who then donated it to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The metal of nails such as this one, after being in the sea for a long time, become affected by the natural reaction of the sea water, causing it to degenerate and thin, and the stress from the force of the sea over the years alters its shape. Iron nails had been used on ships previously, but they quickly corroded in the salt; ships needed regular, costly and time-consuming maintenance to replace the iron nails. Towards the end of the 18th century the British Navy trialled the use of copper nails, finding them to be very successful. Merchant ships began to adopt this process in the early 19th century, although it made ship building very expensive and was more often used for ships such as the “George III” that sailed on long voyages. The three masted sailing ship “George III” was a convict transport ship built in Deptford, England, in 1810. On 14th December 1834 she left Woolwich, England, bound for Hobart Town, Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), under Captain William Hall Moxey. She was carrying 220 male convicts plus crew, guards and their families, totalling 294 persons (another 2 were during the voyage). Amongst the cargo were military stores including several copper drums of gun powder. On 27th January 1835 the “George III” was near the Equator, about half way into her journey. A fire broke out and the gun powder was in danger of explosion, threatening the whole ship. Two convicts braved the heat and smoke, entered the store and seized the gun powder drums, suffering burns for their efforts but saving a probable disaster. The fire destroyed some of the provisions and food was scarce. Many became ill with scurvy and some died during the journey. Nearing the end of their journey on 10th April 1835 the “George III” was headed through the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, south east Tasmania, between the mainland and Bruny Island. She was sailing in the moonlit night to hasten her arrival in port due to the great number of sick on board. She struck uncharted rocks, known only to the local whalers, between Actaeon Reef and Southport Lagoon and within hours began to break up. The ship’s boats were used to first rescue the women and children. Firearms were used to help quell the panic of the convicts below decks and some were killed by the shots. Many convicts, including the sick, were drowned. In all, 133 lives were lost including 5 of the crew, guards and their families. It was the third worst shipping disaster in Tasmanian waters. A monument in honour of the prisoners who perished in the “George III” has been erected, noting the date of the wreck as “Friday 10th April 1835.” (NOTE: there are a few differences between sources regarding dates of the shipwreck, some saying March and others April 1835. There are also differences in the figures of those on board and the number of lives lost.) The copper nail is significant as an example of sailing ship construction; fasteners used in the early 19th century on ships carrying convicts to Australia. The nail is also significant for its association with the ship “George III”. The “George III” is registered on the Australian National Shipwreck Database, ID 7195 as an Historic Shipwreck. She is the third worst shipwreck in Tasmanian waters. She is also associated with Early Australian History and the transportation of convicts to Australia. The incident of the fire on board and the bravery of the convicts in making the gun powder safe is an example of the social character of the people in early Tasmanian colonisation. Copper nail (also called a Dumpy bolt or spike) from the convict ship George III, wrecked in 1835. Nail is long, bent in an ‘L’ shape about 3/5ths along, tapering from both ends to the bend. Both ends are flat and do not taper to a point, nor have a thread. The shorter end has been polished, showing bright copper. There is pitting along the nail and virdigris is evident on the longer, unpolished end. The nail is displayed with the longer section resting on a wooden board between two ‘U’ shaped uprights, the shorter section upright. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, george iii, ship construction, ship nail, 1835 shipwreck, 19th century shipwreck, william moxey, d'entrecasteaux channel, convict transportation, copper nail, dumpy bolt, spike, keel nail

The paddle steamer Clonmel was one of the first steam-powered vessels on the Australian coast. However, its career was short, being wrecked on its third voyage on what is now known as Clonmel Island at the Port Albert entrance. All on board reached safety, but much of the cargo was lost.The wreck of the Clonmel was instrumental in the settlement of Gippsland and the establishment of the towns of Port Albert, Tarraville and Alberton. Although the wreck of the Clonmel was a disaster at the time, it is now one of the most significant archaeological sites in Victoria. (Ref. Australian National Shipwreck Database) This item is a useful reference tool on a significant part of shipping history in Victoria.A thin 27 pp cardboard covered book titled, "Clonmel Disaster to Discovery". On the cover is a black drawing of the Clonmel with a coloured background of yellow, red and blue blocks. The book contains the history of the paddle-steamer Clonmel which was wrecked at port Albert in 1841.clonmel-paddle-steamer shipwreck-port-albert

This letter was written by a representative of the crew of the SS Siltonhall to the Mission to Seafarers in Oct 1929. Their ship caught fire in the Indian Ocean and were rescued by the SS Anthea. The crew was sent to Melbourne and spent some time at the Mission. Article in the Argus, Tuesday 15 October 1929, page 6 "THE SILTONHALL'S SEAMEN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS Sir, the story of the disaster to the s.s. Siltonhall is still fresh in the public mind. The ship caught fire and she was abandoned and sank in the Indian Ocean. The crew took to the boats and were rescued and brought safely in to Melbourne. They have been with us now for nearly a week now, taking full advantage of the hospitality of the Mission to Seamen Institute.So far they have been provided with the bare necessities of one complete suit of clothing by the shipping authorities. They leave here to return home to England on Wednesday. If anyone will kindly contribute any articles of clothing or boots they will be most acceptable, especially as the men will be going to a cooler climate. Please send them to me. Yours Sincerily, HOWARD S. BAILEY, Chaplain, Missions to Seamen, Australian Wharf, Oct. 14."This letter and photograph indicate the valuable service that the Mission to Seafarers provides to crews of ships wrecked off the Australian coast. The smiling crew of the S.S. Siltonhall evidently appreciated that when they were in desperate need they were cared for. The picture was possibly taken in a nautical context, perhaps at the docks or on board a ship.B/W photograph of group of 22 men. Letter signed T. Bateman from crew of the SS Siltonhall dated Oct. 16th 1929. "Oct 16th 1929. / The members of the crew of the SS Siltonhall, / which caught fire in the Indian Ocean, and / was abandoned on Sept 21st 1929, wish to / thank the 'Missions to Seamen', and all those / concerned, for their hospitality, in the way of / Concerts, Socials, etc., also for boots and clothing / gratefully received. / On behalf of the crew. T. Bateman." photograph, letter, 1929, siltonhall, ship, crew, mission, seafarers, wreck, fire, bateman, melbourne, australia, shipwreck, reverend howard s. bailey, j. bateman

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 Foreword - 7 Editorial - 9 Matthew Flinders' Anchors - 11 The Diary of a Matelot in HMAS Perth - 17 Southern Hospitality - 31 With "Pamir" in the Pacific Ocean - 35 Newcastle Memories 1903 - 45 The Very Expensive Sea Serpent - 51 Reflections Around a Swiss Lake - 52 The Pearling Disaster of 1899 - 53 The Purchase of "Fearless" - 59 Total Eclipse - 63 Battle of Savo Island - 67 Shipboard Education - 73 A Freak of Navigation - 75 "Polly Woodside" War Record - 77 Drama at Niagara - 85 Pilot Ship and War Veteran - 87 Captured by Pirate Raiders in the Pacific 1940 - 91 Errata The Editors Regret - 105 Book Reviews - 107 Barkentine "Bear" - 113 Anchors Round the World - 115 Scrap Iron Flotilla - 117 The Man from Timbuctoo - 118 The Loss of the "Posen" - 123sailing ships, steamships, shipping, seafaring life, shiplovers' society of victoria, dog watch, captain matthew flinders

This sample of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample, wooden, varnished, from wreck the Lightning. Has a groove along one edge.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood sample from a ship

The Lightning was an American-built sailing ship and it is believed the rope block was part of the ship’s rigging or included as cargo. The plaque on the block mentions that the item was, “as supplied by Burrows Ship Chandlers” in 1869. The plaque could also mean that the rope block was supplied by the firm Burrows, Ship Chandler and Shipping Stock, as a replacement block for the Lightning. The American vessel named “Lightning” was a 3-masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her load listed on early consignments included livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria, where the challenging association between Australia's agriculture and the imported rabbits started. The Lightning was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, in East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable and regarded as one of the smartest ships of the time. The vessel set many speed records for her voyages and became one of the most famous of racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain 'Bully' Forbes and Mate 'Bully' Bragg, Lightning made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon after this record was established and was regarded as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright's innovations was to publish a ship's paper called "The Lightning Gazette". What is of additional historic interest is that captain "Bully Forbes" had left the Lightning to captain the ill-fated Schomberg. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the Lightning was used as a troopship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her normal route between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the Lightning was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of Lightning, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1 am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the vessel. Efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the "Lightning Shoals" in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The Lightning is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (Ref S 415). The vessel is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built. it was notable as the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and as a shipping disaster in Geelong's history. The Lightning spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia. Its documented voyages give us a snapshot into shipping history, not only of Australia in the mid-19th century but how the world's commercial transport functioned o promote trade and emigration during this time.Large ship's block, wood, with two wooden sheaves and fibre straps, eye and thimble. The metal plaque attached to the block has an inscription. The block was used on the ship "Lightning".Plaque inscription: "BLOCK OFF THE LIGHTNING / AS SUPPLIED BY / BURROWS SHIPS CHANDLERS / & SHIPPING STOCK CORIO BAY / 1863" (or 1869)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, burrows and bascombe, burrows, ship chandler, corio bay, burrow's ship chandlers and shipping stock,

This photograph was taken at the scene of the fire on the LIGHTNING, in Corio Bay, Geelong on 31st October 1869. The American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Black and white photograph of the burning of the clipper Lightning in Corio Bay Geelong, Sunday Oct 31st 1869. Photograph shows the Lightning in the process of burning, smoke billowing above the deck. Another sailing ship, plus several small boats, are in the bay, with a crowd on the pier.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, historic photograph of shipwreck lightning, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clipper lightning, photograph

This photograph shows the remains of the clipper ship LIGHTNING as it continues to burn to its end in Corio Bay, Geelong, 31st October 1869. The American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Black and white photograph of the burning of the sailing ship LIGHTNING, 31st October 1869 in Corio Bay, Geelong. The photograph shows the ship with only 2 masts remaining, still billowing smoke. Below the photograph is the photograph's title.Title hand written 'LIGHTNING"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, burning of the lightning, historic photograph of shipwreck lightning

This piece of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample of wood from the wool clipper LIGHTNING, 1854-1869, The sample has a label and a card with information about the ship and a person. Card, typewritten, "PIECE OF TIMBER FROM FAMOUS WOOL CLIPPER / "LIGHTNING". BUILD IN DONALD McKAY'S SHIPYARD / IN BOSTON, U.S.A.. SHE WAS BURNT TO TOTAL LOSS / IN GEELONG IN 1869"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood sample from lightning

This sample of wood is from the American clipper ship LIGHTNING was a 3 masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her cargo listed early consignments of livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria. The LIGHTNING was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, of East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable, and one of the smartest ships known. The LIGHTNING set many speed records for her sea crossings, and became one of the most famous of the racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain ‘Bully’ Forbes and Mate ‘Bully’ Bragg, LIGHTNING made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record for all time. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon afterwards. He has been described as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright’s innovations was to publish a ship’s paper called The Lightning Gazette. (Captain Forbes had left to captain the SCHOMBERG.) In January 1855 Capt. Enright sailed the LIGHTNING from Liverpool with over 700 passengers and returned home carrying gold as her cargo. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the LIGHTNING was used as a troop ship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her run between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the LIGHTNING was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and she continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of LIGHTNING, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the LIGHTNING. Efforts to extinguished the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the shoals in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The area is now known as Lightning Shoals. The LIGHTNING is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR S415. She is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built, the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and being the worst shipping disaster in Geelong's history. It spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia.Sample wooden rectangular from the clipper Lightning, which burned out at Geelong 31 Oct 1869.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, wood from sailing ship, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, lightning

The remarkable story when 74 soldiers fought in vain to save the lives of their mates off Portsea as 3 soldiers died. Tragically, Privates Roger Wood and Edward Meyer, and Warrant Officer George "Taffy" Drakopoulos, died. Please Note: "The Rip" is also known as "The Heads", which is a dangerous stretch of water connecting Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. This is the only entrance for all shipping into Port Phillip Bay and to and from the Port of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.Kayak of a similar type as those used during the ill-fated army exercise with loss of life in the rip.rip disaster, commandos, kayak, military history - army

This lifebuoy bears the name of the ship, its origin, the shipping company and the red ensign. These details mean that the lifebuoy was part of the lifesaving equipment on the sailing ship the Loch Ness, part of the Glasgow Shipping Company’s Loch Line (G.S.C. on the red pennant) and a British-registered ship (the red flag with the Union Jack on it). Lifebuoys were part of the emergency lifesaving equipment carried on vessels in the late 19th and early 20th century. The ring was made of strips of cork wood joined together to make the ring shape then covered in canvas and sealed usually with white paint. Four evenly spaced canvas reinforcing bands would be added for strength and for a place to thread a rope or line. A lifebuoy, or life-preserver, is used as a buoyancy device often thrown to an endangered or distressed person in the water to keep them afloat while they receive help. It is usually connected by a rope to a person in a safe area such a nearby vessel or on shore. Lifebuoys is a made from a buoyant materials such as cork or foam and ae usually covered with canvas for protection and to make it easy to grip. The first use of life saving devices in recent centuries was by the Nordic people, who used light weight wood or cork blocks to keep afloat. Cork lifebuoys were used from the late 19th to early 20th century. Kapok fibre was then used as a filling for buoys but wasn’t entirely successful. Light weight balsa wood was used as a filler after WW1. In 1928 Peter Markus invented and patented the first inflatable life-preserver. By WW2 foam was combined with Kapok. Laws were passed over time that has required aeroplanes and water going-vessels to carry life-preservers on board. The ship LOCH NESS 1869-1922 … The ship Loch Ness, of Glasgow, was the same ship what William Carmichael sailed on to Australia when he laid the commemoration stone on behalf of his sister Eva and himself, dedicated to their parents, brothers and sisters. The family members lost their lives on June 1, 1878, when their ship, the Loch Ard, was wrecked at Mutton Bird Island in south west Victoria. Eva Carmichael was one of the two survivors from that shipwreck, the other 52 tragically lost their lives. The ship Loch Ness was a three-masted sailing ship built in 1869 for the Loch Line owned by the Glasgow Shipping Company. The line transported cargo and passengers from Glasgow, Scotland, to Australian ports. The Loch Ness was sold in 1908 to Stevedore & Shipping Co, Sydney for use as a coal hulk. In 1914 the Australian Government took over the ship for naval defence purposeless. In 1926 the ship was sunk during gunfire practice by the 1922 built, light cruiser HMAS Melbourne, near Fremantle, Western Australia. The lifebuoy is an example of equipment carried on vessels in the late 19th and early 20th century to help preserve life. There were many lives lost in Australia’s colonial period, particularly along the coast of South West Victoria. The lifebuoy is significant for its connection to the ship Loch Ness on which William Carmichael, brother of Eva Carmichael, travelled to lay a memorial to their parents and all of their other siblings who lost their lives in the Loch Ard disaster of 1878 near Peterborough, Victoria. Lifebuoy, round, cork filling inside canvas cover, painted white, with rope attached. Lifebuoy has printed name of vessel Loch Ness, Glasgow. Symbols of red flag with white initials G S Co. There is also a red ensign."LOCH NESS", "GLASGOW" "G S Co"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, loch ness, loch ard, william carmichael, eva carmichael, lifebuoy, glasgow sailing ship, loch ness of glasgow, life rings, safety ring, life-saving buoy, ring buoy, life preserver, personal floating device, floatation device, safety equipment, g s c, glasgow shipping company, hmas melbourne, cruiser melbourne