For those readers interested in the Blue Anchor Line ships I have put up one or two photographs for them to enjoy as it is always wonderful to see pieces of history as it really was so long ago.
The photograph shows Captain Pentin and his lovely wife Jessie Marion Pentin aged 24 years aboard the ss Wilcannia in Sydney in September 1895. Mrs Pentin was on the crew list as Stewardess. The offficer on the left seated by the hatch is Mr .R Bidwell chief officer as indicated by one stripe on his right shoulder, the captain having two gold stripes. Mr. Bidwell went on to become the marine superintendent for the company and later commanded the Narrung. The group photo is taken in front of the poop deck house which was richly furnished with a saloon and cabins for twelve passengers. Looking at the lifeboat on the poop deck above to the right of the picture, you will notice two round dots on the bow. These are in fact wooden plaques with circumferences being adorned with carved ropes and the house flag of a blue anchor in the center. The Titanic lifeboats had similar plaques on her boats with the white star in the center. In the event of any wrecked life boats being washed up on a beach with the name missing the plaques would give a clue as to what ship they came from.
The Wilcannia in an unknown dry dock which displays her sleek hull lines.
A very rare close up photo of the Wooloomooloo witht the Bungaree astern of her.
Today the 25th of June is the day the Waratah sailed from Sydney on her Fateful voyage.
A very rare close up photo of the Wooloomooloo witht the Bungaree astern of her.
Today the 25th of June is the day the Waratah sailed from Sydney on her Fateful voyage.
