In 2008 I published the third edition of a 330 page reference book called Newcastle Lifeboats 1838-1946. It is now out of print but those wishing to buy a copy (pdf), can contact the author by email at wynne@optusnet.com.au to purchase the CD version which is compatible with most computer operating systems. The cost of the disc is $40 AUD including postage. For those overseas the price will be higher but negotiable...You may also call + 61 2 49282696 if you have further inquiries.
The index to over 100 years of crewmen/coxswains is included at my other web page (click link):
NEWCASTLE
LIFEBOATS
1838-1946
A CHRONOLOGY OF MISSIONS, COXSWAINS AND CREWMEN
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The following is a copy of the preface of my book...
Why did I research the Newcastle Lifeboat Service?
While doing a history book for my father’s family I came across a letter to the Newcastle Morning Herald editor in an old set of newspaper clippings held at the New Lambton Institute (Newcastle Family History Society). The letter was a written by my great great grandfather William Ahern when the Victoria (II) Lifeboat was launched in May 1897. After reading of William’s adventures I’ve spent countless hours - over 10 years - finding more stories of the exploits of the crewmen and Coxswains of the Newcastle Lifeboats. I have been determined to preserve as much information as I can, for all the families of the men of the Newcastle Lifeboat Service. If some of the information reflects my family bias I make no apologies as it was here that I began to unravel the stories of the other men who manned the Newcastle Lifeboats. I hope my ancestors would be proud of me, as I am of them.
Over 330 identified crewmen volunteered to provide this valuable service to the port of Newcastle from 1838 to 1946. I have been able to compile a database for most of the men (see appendix) but as with all research, some names have not been recorded correctly or may be spelt incorrectly when a newspaper report or inquiry was compiled. Clarifying spelling has been a difficult task. The original hand written Lifeboat Wages Book was hard to decipher. A second version transcribed by Captain James Fletcher had changes in spelling and the typed version of the Fletcher’s transcript was riddled with anomalies. Trying to make judgements based on all the work done prior has been irritating, in the least. Where possible original documents have been sited but even they are not totally reliable accounts as some crewman have been omitted from missions.
The following research is set out in a “log” style with a margin on the left indicating the date while on the right of the page is where the rescues or information about the crewmen is complied. There have been contributions from descendants which are shown with a light green accent to the page. The name of the contributor is also recorded. None of this would have been possible without the wonderful help from the Newcastle Maritime Centre, Glynda Nolan, Newcastle Regional Library, and numerous family genealogists.
Quoting Terry Callen, from his book Bar Dangerous, “The names of volunteers who gave years of service crop up regularly in reports, and they should be mentioned in any stories of Newcastle’s Lifeboat exploits. Sadly, no park, streets, or council reserve have been named after these courageous men”.
I hope one day to garner formal recognition for these Lifeboat heroes who forged the bonds of mateship and with hard work made Newcastle one of the safest and busiest ports of the modern world. A substantial and lasting monument to over 330 volunteers seems over due.
While doing a history book for my father’s family I came across a letter to the Newcastle Morning Herald editor in an old set of newspaper clippings held at the New Lambton Institute (Newcastle Family History Society). The letter was a written by my great great grandfather William Ahern when the Victoria (II) Lifeboat was launched in May 1897. After reading of William’s adventures I’ve spent countless hours - over 10 years - finding more stories of the exploits of the crewmen and Coxswains of the Newcastle Lifeboats. I have been determined to preserve as much information as I can, for all the families of the men of the Newcastle Lifeboat Service. If some of the information reflects my family bias I make no apologies as it was here that I began to unravel the stories of the other men who manned the Newcastle Lifeboats. I hope my ancestors would be proud of me, as I am of them.
Over 330 identified crewmen volunteered to provide this valuable service to the port of Newcastle from 1838 to 1946. I have been able to compile a database for most of the men (see appendix) but as with all research, some names have not been recorded correctly or may be spelt incorrectly when a newspaper report or inquiry was compiled. Clarifying spelling has been a difficult task. The original hand written Lifeboat Wages Book was hard to decipher. A second version transcribed by Captain James Fletcher had changes in spelling and the typed version of the Fletcher’s transcript was riddled with anomalies. Trying to make judgements based on all the work done prior has been irritating, in the least. Where possible original documents have been sited but even they are not totally reliable accounts as some crewman have been omitted from missions.
The following research is set out in a “log” style with a margin on the left indicating the date while on the right of the page is where the rescues or information about the crewmen is complied. There have been contributions from descendants which are shown with a light green accent to the page. The name of the contributor is also recorded. None of this would have been possible without the wonderful help from the Newcastle Maritime Centre, Glynda Nolan, Newcastle Regional Library, and numerous family genealogists.
Quoting Terry Callen, from his book Bar Dangerous, “The names of volunteers who gave years of service crop up regularly in reports, and they should be mentioned in any stories of Newcastle’s Lifeboat exploits. Sadly, no park, streets, or council reserve have been named after these courageous men”.
I hope one day to garner formal recognition for these Lifeboat heroes who forged the bonds of mateship and with hard work made Newcastle one of the safest and busiest ports of the modern world. A substantial and lasting monument to over 330 volunteers seems over due.
Thomas J. Wynn JP
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