Historical information
This flare pictured is one of three lighting or signal flares. These are pyrotechnic devices used at sea, mainly as a distress signal. However, they have other meanings when used for naval purposes, such as the executive order to start a particular manoeuvre. These are usually packaged as part of a distress pack containing all necessary rockets or flares for immediate use, in any emergency, by ships and off-shore yachts.
The inscribed numbers could possibly be the date packaged or the date of useful life i.e. 27-11-1955.
Significance
This set of three flares is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain.
Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised.
In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.
Physical description
Flare (three), ; metal base, black cylinder, removeable wooden end cap that has a wooden key attached by string at centre. Inscribed "R↑L" on the cap and metal base.
Inscriptions & markings
Inscribed: "R↑L", "27, 11, 55", "Long Lights"
Subjects
- flagstaff hill maritime museum and village,
- flagstaff hill,
- maritime museum,
- maritime village,
- warrnambool,
- great ocean road,
- lady bay,
- warrnambool harbour,
- port of warrnambool,
- shipwreck,
- life-saving,
- lifesaving,
- rescue crew,
- rescue,
- rocket rescue,
- rocket crew,
- lifeboat men,
- beach rescue,
- line rescue,
- rescue equipment,
- rocket firing equipment,
- rocket rescue equipment,
- maritime accidents,
- shipwreck victim,
- rocket equipment,
- marine technology,
- rescue boat,
- lifeboat,
- life saving rescue crew,
- lifesaving rescue crew,
- rocket rescue method,
- rocket apparatus rescue,
- stranded vessel,
- mortar,
- life jacket,
- rocket machine,
- rocket line,
- rocket set,
- schermuly,
- harbour board,
- government of victoria,
- harbour master,
- armband,
- l.s.r.c.,
- lsrc,
- flare,
- light,
- safety equipment,
- distress signal,
- safety at sea,
- emergency signal,
- broad arrow,
- communication signal,
- vingage,
- pyrotechnic flare
References
- The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea ISBN/ISSN: 9780199205684 Edited by Peter Kemp, published 1979
- Explain that stuff - Flares Diagram and explanation of how a flare works
