MARITIME HEROES, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA - ROLLS OF HONOUR.
itellya
This is the first time I've written about something that never existed (as far as I know.)I have suggested that coastal town historical societies and like bodies compile a roll of honour of maritime heroes who performed rescues at their towns and that an annual MARINE HEROES DAY could be held on November 10-11 when William John Ferrier performed his heroic rescues at Warrnambool in 1905.
City of Kingston historian,Graham Whitehead,thinks it is a good idea and suggested that the late Jack Pompei of Mordialloc would be a good nomination. It should be fairly simple to compile a roll of honour for each town. A trove search "rescue, name of town" should produce plenty of results. This is the case for my Mordialloc search but there is a snag. Whether it was lazy reporting or modesty on the part of the rescuers, the saviours in some cases were identified only as lifesavers.
POSTSCRIPT.3-6-2014.My aim was to show the sterling role of fishermen such as William John Ferrier in saving crews of wrecked vessels. However there were few examples of this in regard to Mordialloc because "watering places",as they were called,past Rosebud from where the shipping channel headed straight to Melbourne, were well away from the route of most vessels. In fact, James Purves had great trouble getting his insurance paid on the "Rosebud" following its stranding in 1855,because insurers claimed that the area was on the east coast of the bay (not covered by the policy) rather than the south. See: " The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thursday 29 November 1855 p 6 Article... the wreck was lying most decidedly on the southern coast, and not on the eastern. The captain of the ... considered the spot where the vessel was wrecked to be the eastern coast. The south coast, if tiny part could "
What the results for Mordialloc do show is social change. The sea was only thought of in regard to transport. Then the affluent citizens of Marvellous Smellbourne escaped the heat, dust, smell,smoke and rat-race lifestyle to relax by the seaside for the lengthy SEASON. Due to prudish regulations,this mainly meant rolling up the trousers enough to paddle in shallow water. The sea views and cool breezes were the main attraction.
Those not so well off could later enjoy a day visit by steamer to Sorrento and other far flung watering places thanks to such as Richmond's George Coppin (whose son was one of our heroes.)They too would enjoy a paddle,the cooler weather,sea views and the fresh air.
As regulations were relaxed regarding bathing costumes, swimming became possible and of course many non-swimmers or weaker swimmers, as well as boat owners, were getting into trouble. Lifesaving Clubs were formed to deal with this problem, some quite early but most when increasing ownership of cars made seaside visits easier. Where there was no lifesaving club, onlookers had the choice of tut-tutting when they saw someone in trouble or following the tradition of William John Ferrier.
I thought I'd get the ball rolling. Here we go! l/s=Lifesaver; *=previously mentioned.
The Royal Humane Society used to consider the degree of risk in determining awards but I'm sure that if I was being rescued my gratitude would be just as great no matter the circumstances. Agree?
LAW OF THE SEA IGNORED
TO THE EDITOR OP THE ARGUS
Sir: During the sudden squall in the Bay on Sunday last, which capsized a large number of yachts along the eastern shores, many rescues were made. This rescue work among watermen is an unwritten law.A unique case to the contrary happened off the Aspendale beach on Sunday. I would like to hear from persons who witnessed this incident of a motorboat passing a capsized crew without making any attempt at rescue, or even a word of encouragement.
-W. TEMPLETON, Hon Sec, Mord 12 Sq Metre Sailing Club (26 William st, Mordialloc).P.3,Argus,28-1-1947.
APOLLO BAY.
HARRY NEAL(Mordialloc),MR H.MYERS (Melbourne). News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954) Tuesday 17 March 1936 p 6; The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954) Tuesday 17 March 1936 p 13 Article.
Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1885 - 1954) Wednesday 18 March 1936 p 6 Article
BRIGHTON.
ROBERT JOHNSON, aged 28, fisherman, who rescued a father and child from drowning at the Brighton pier on December 26?a bronze clasp to a medal previously awarded. P.6, Argus,5-7-1887.
FRANKSTON.
PATRICIA RILEY,13, SGT.D.PLAISTER(l/s). P.3,Argus,28-12-1943.
GEELONG.
Alice Mallard, aged 19, who saved a girl from drowning at Geelong on March 1?a bronze medal.P.6, Argus,5-7-1887.
LAKES ENTRANCE.
MR.G.T.GARDNER (Mordialloc), GEORGE ROBBINS (North Fitzroy), JAMES WATSON (Lakes?) Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA : 1910 - 1924) Wednesday 15 January 1919 p 7 Article.
MORDIALLOC.
SYLVESTER JACK POMPEI, Mordialloc. Vic, for service to marine search and rescue activities in Port Phillip Bay.
Australia Day Honours,P.6,The Canberra Times, 26-1-1987. Order of Australia Medal.
PATRICK O'DEA, 14, Malvern. Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle, Saturday 7 January 1888 p 3.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Friday 20 April 1888 p 5 Article (Bronze Medallion,Aspendale.)
MISS JEAN McLAREN. The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Monday 31 January 1949 p 1 Article.
GORDON GRIEVES l/s. P.6,Argus,2-1-1945.
CLAUDE QUIST. l/s. P.6,Argus, 2-1-1945.
Claude Quist, of the Mordialloc Lifesaving Club, ran more than half a mile toward Parkdale at lunchtime
yesterday and then swam 150 yards to the rescue of three girls.etc. P.3,Argus,22-3-1948.
The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Monday 27 February 1950 p 1 Article.
MESSRS. E.ALICA, A.SINGLETON, J.MILLAR, T.BALL l/s. P.16,Argus,7-12-1944.
JAMES THOMAS MURRAY (Newport Workshops).P.10,Argus,4-1-1926.
WILLIAM HALKERSON,71, East Brunswick. P.8, Barrier Miner,4-1-1945; The Argus, Friday 5 January 1945 p 5.
HARRY NEAL (at Apollo Bay). News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954) Tuesday 17 March 1936 p 6 Article
ERNEST MITCHELL (Fitzroy), LEMS HENN. P.6,Argus, 14-2-1916.
MISS MARIE AGNES CONROY (Mordialloc). Barrier Daily Truth (Broken Hill, Tuesday 7 January 1941 p 4 Article.
G.T.GARDNER (Mordialloc). See Lakes Entrance.
TEDDY SWORDS,14, Dandenong. Daily Herald (Adelaide, SA : 1910 - 1924) Saturday 8 December 1923 p 7 Article.
P.11,Argus, 4-12-1923.
ALFRED DIXON (Carlton). Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 - 1954) Monday 13 April 1936 p 7 Article (Alfred's name.)
Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954) Thursday 16 April 1936 p 3 Article. (Mordialloc pier.)
FREDERICK HILSDEN COPPIN (Richmond, George's second son.) P.6,Argus,4-8-1881; P.11,Argus,17-9-1881 (certificate from Victorian Humane Society.)
ALBERT ALEX. STEPHENS, aged 12, who saved a boy from drowning in Mordialloc Creek on March 6, a bronze medal. P.6, Argus,5-7-1887.
GEORGE COOTE. -One of Victoria's most outstanding life savers, George Coote, of Mordialloc, 25 miles from Melbourne, carried an unconscious man on his back in a mile swim to shore at Mordialloc today.etc.
Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954) Monday 27 February 1950 p 4 Article.
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954) Tuesday 28 February 1950 p 1 Article.
ALEX.FERGUSSON (at Mentone.) The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954) Saturday 17 April 1943 p 3 Article.
P.3, Army News,Darwin,21-4-1943.
MR.F.WALKER (Korumburra). P.6,Argus,27-2-1900.
R.GARRARD (Olympic wrestler), J.BAILEY, R.JOHNSON,E.ALLICA*, l/s. P.2,Argus,21-3-1939.
MR.A.BOWDEN,KEITH GLENISTER,JACK RICHARDS (pictured.)P.1, Argus,6-2-1956.
JEAN McEACHERN, young l/s. P.3,Argus,28-12-1943.
CLAUDE QUIST*,JOHN CARTER l/s. P.5,The Mercury,Hobart,12-3-1951.
DOUGLAS NORMAN,14,Malvern. P.9,Argus,18-2-1916.
MISS MARY HOWARD.P.4, Argus,15-12-1908.
EDWIN HARRY,Mordialloc scout (at Mentone). P.9,Argus,14-3-1927. (silver cross.)
MR. LESLIE WATKINS,L/S Pres., at Mentone. P.15,Argus,13-1-1947.
MISS CONNIE HASTINGS,JAMES LENNON,L/S.P.3,Argus,31-1-1949.
MARGARET CAREY,16. P.3, Argus,15-11-1951 (photo.)
JOHN ARIES,14, P.4,The Canberra Times, 30-12-1939.(Saved 13 stone woman.)
FIRST CONSTABLE HODGSON,HARVEY (KLAUER?), WILLIAM,JOHN AND EDWARD?,CYRIL HARDY,FRANK (RICHARDSON?)
Frankston and Somerville Standard (Vic. : 1921 - 1939) Friday 1 May 1936 p 1 Article.
AND THAT'S ONLY A START!
MORNINGTON.
MR H.FURZE, Leongatha. P.8,Argus,8-7-1913.
PORT ALBERT.
MR.H.AVERY,FITZ. WRECK IN THE PORT ALBERT HARBOUR.
Gippsland Times (Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Wednesday 15 June 1887 p 3 Article
PORTSEA.
LOUISA RIPKEY, aged 15, who rescued a boy from drowning at Point Nepean on January 19?a silver medal and
JAMES MOORE, aged 28, mounted constable, for assisting Miss Ripkey in the previous case?a bronze medal.
both P.6, Argus,5-7-1887.
QUEENSCLIFF.
MESSRS. W.BREEN, G.MARABELLA (MIRABELLA?), W.MOUCHEMORE (at Torquay.) P.7,Argus,11-11-1936.
RYE
MR.C.P.GARTSIDE M.L.C. P.5,Argus, 6-2-1951.
EDWARD GLOVER 3rd mate of dredge.P.11 Argus, 11-2-1926.
TORQUAY.
MESSRS. W.BREEN, Q.MARABELLA (MIRABELLA?), W.MOUCHEMORE (Queenscliff.) P.7,Argus,11-11-1936.
WARRNAMBOOL.
Charles Dingle, aged 25, mate of the steamer Investigator, who saved a man from drowning at Warr- nambool on March 1?a bronze medal. P.6, Argus,5-7-1887.
WILLIAMSTOWN.
WILLIAM DUNN,12. [ re-find source!!!!!!!]
by itellya
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Itellya is researching local history on the Mornington Peninsula and is willing to help family historians with information about the area between Somerville and Blairgowrie. He has extensive information about Henry Gomm of Somerville, Joseph Porta (Victoria's first bellows manufacturer) and Captain Adams of Rosebud.
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Morgan2409 on 2014-06-02 05:54:3010th August 1898, The Caulfield & Elsternwick Leader p.3
A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE.
_o_
Peter Toy, the old cockle man, of Rickett's Point, was out fishing on Wednesday, when a gale sprang up from the north-west, which prevented his landing, although he was only a short distance from the point. Being unable to use his sail, he took to the oars, and fought bravely from 11 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. to keep his frail flat- bottomed boat to the land. His wife was on the cliff watching him, and when the wind suddenly chopped to to the west, and caused a great com- motion on the bay, she thought " old Toy " was capsized, and she went to Mrs Finlay's to report the matter. Mrs Finlay telephoned to the police, who at once went to the rescue. Con- stable Creed soon found the boat just below Watkin's boathouse, Mordialloc, Toy having started for home. Old Peter informs us that he has lived at Beaumaris for the past 22 years, and never before has he had such a hard fight for his life. The gale came straight off the shore, and every sinew in his body was exerted to save him- self being carried out to sea. He was very exhausted when the westerly squall came upon him, but the old boat rode well, and he had no trouble in reaching Mordialloc, where several willing hands helped him to land. We have had the extremes of heat and cold this week. The hot winds of Monday have done very much damage to the gardens, vegetables being burnt up, and fruit burnt on the trees
12th November 1936, The Argus p.15
FISHERMAN'S ORDEAL
Rescue by Lifeboat
QUEENSCLIFF, Wednesday.-When he arrived at Queenscliff to-day, Salvatore Pompei, aged 45 years, fisherman, of Mordialloc, described the ordeal which he experienced in a storm on Monday night,and yesterday before being rescued off Point Danger, Torquay, last night by the Queenscliff lifeboat. Pompei left Westernport on Monday afternoon at 4.30 p.m. in his 30ft. launch for Mordialloc. At 11 p.m. he reached the Rip, but the tide swung his boat from its course. When morning came, he found that he was near Torquay. His petrol supply was almost exhausted, and the lifeboat came on the scene just in time.
He was taken abroad the lifeboat, and his boat was taken in tow. The Fisher-
men's Club at Queenscliff has provided him with sufficient petrol to take him to
Mordialloc when the weather is favourable
Morgan2409 on 2014-06-02 06:07:176th January 1922, Frankston & Somerville Standard p.5
A trying experience befell two young men at Frankston on Sunday night. A young returned soldier named "Snowy" Downer, who lost a leg whilst on active service, and his companion, George Mor- ris, left Frankston about 5.30 p.m. on Sunday night in Mr. R. E. Fairnie's motor boat, wearing only their coats over their bathing costumes. After they had cruised around for a time, the engine failed, and the boat commenced to drift out to sea. A heavy sea waa running, and Senior Constable Bray, of the Frankston police, telephone to Wil- liamstown, Mordialloc, Mornington and other points around the bayside, as it was feared the boat had capsized. Mr E. K. McComb, who has a total of'some 29 rescues to his credit, also set out, accompanicd by Brigadier-General Grimwade, and Mr. Guy Madden, in search of the missing men. They as- certained that Downer and Morris had been picked up by the steamer, Armargh, at 6.30 a.m. on Monday, about 11 miles out, and were conveyed to Port Mel- bourne. Although they had been drift- ing for nearly 12 hours, they were little the worse for the experience, except for a severe drenching and the fact that the they had been without food. It was when off Frankston that Captain Vint, of the Armagh direct from London, ob- served that the motor boat was in diffi- culties, and that the occupants were making signals of distress. He heaved to and took the men and mootor boat aboard his vessel. Downer and Mor- ris returned to Frankston on Monday afternoon when they were heartily con- gratulated on their escape from a watery grave.
itellya on 2015-01-12 18:42:24BEFORE THE FORMATION OF RESCUE ORGANISATIONS,COUNTLESS LIVES WERE SAVED BY FISHERMEN.
HERE'S ANOTHER RESCUE BY E.McCOMB (SEE PREVIOUS COMMENT. AND TO THINK THAT McCOMBE STREET NEAR ROSEBUD PLAZA DISRESPECTS THIS PIONEERING FRANKSTON FAMILY!
An accident occurred during the holidays to two young men while out boating, which might easily have resulted in a fatality. In appears that a sudden gust of wind came and tookthem unawares, and the boat capsized. They both succeeded in keeping them-
selves afloat by clinging to the over- turned boat. Accompanied by A Greggs and
G. Hesselman, E. K. McComb was returning from fishing and observed the accident. He lost no time in covering the distance, (about a mile and a half) between his boat and the drowning men, and arrived in time to take one of them into his boat before he was quite exhausted. In the meantime his companion in disaster had elected to reach the shore by swimming, a distance of about 200 yds, which he succeeded in doing and after a rest neither of them were the worse for their narrow escape. (P.2,Mornington Standard,16-1-1915.)