Historical information
Built in 1914 by Fleming and Ferguson in Paisley Scotland as Sir William Matthews for the Ceylon Government, she was a twin screwed steam bucket dredge. She was purchased from the Western Australian Government by the Melbourne Harbour Trust on 10 October 1941. After an extensive overhaul, the vessel was renamed the George Kermode and commenced operation in Victorian waters on 22 June 1942. The George Kermode was scuttled by the Department of Conservation, Forests and Land off Phillip Island on the 1 April 1976 as part of an artificial reef program.
Significance
This vessel was used to dredge the Port Phillip channels from 1942 and is of cultural significance to Queenscliffe.
Physical description
Binnacle compass from the 'George Kermode'
Inscriptions & markings
Compass No. 3127N Sestrel Type 89098
Subjects
References
- George Kermode The George Kermode is a scuttled steam bucket dredge boat sitting offshore from the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on the southern side of Phillip Island.
