Honouring the Men who gave their lives whilst serving in the Merchant Navy
and whose names are on the Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
and whose names are on the Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
H.M.A.H.S. CENTAUR
WW2
WW2
A - G
Kalgoorlie Miner (West Aust) 19-5-1943
CENTAUR TORPEDOED IN DARKNESS
SIXTY-FOUR SAVED OUT OF TOTAL OF 363
SHIP BURST INTO FLAMES, CAPSIZED AND SANK IN THREE MINUTES
Somewhere in Australia, May 18.-—The treacherous and in-human sinking of the Australian hospital ship Centaur (3222 tons), which was torpedoed without warning 40 miles east of Australia in darkness last Friday morning, while en route from Sydney to New Guinea, was announced from general headquarters to-day. Immediately after being hit the Centaur burst into flames and sank within three minutes. Of the 363 members of the crew and medical staff and nurses aboard, only 64 were saved. The survivors, who included only one of 12 nurses, were in the water for periods from 34 to 36 hours before being picked up by a small Allied vessel after being sighted by an aircraft. The Centaur was travelling un-escorted, was fully illuminated and marked with the red cross, thus complying with all the provisions of international law governing hospital ships in wartime. The weather was clear and visibility excellent, so there was no chance that the vessel was not recognised. It is the worst shipping tragedy which has ever occurred on the Australian coast and the death roll probably exceeds the total of lives lost in all other sinkings in Australian waters since the outbreak of war.
The Australian people have never been so completely shocked by any loss, at sea since the cruiser Sydney was sunk by a German raider in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia in November 1941, with the loss of her full complement. There can, however, be no comparison between the sinkings, as the Sydney was in combat where the Centaur was a non-combatant. There were no patients aboard, as the ship was bound northward on her second voyage since her conversion as a hospital ship was completed in March. The survivors included one medical officer, one nurse, 32 other medical personnel and 39 members
of the ship's crew. Though details of the casualty lists are not complete it is known that 18 doctors, 11 nurses and 193 other medical personnel are missing.
Struck at 4.10 a.m.
It was 4.10 a.m. when the torpedo struck and except for members of the crew on duty everyone was in bed. The survivors estimated that approximately 150 people succeeded in getting into the water, a few diving overboard and others being washed overboard as the ship capsized. More than 200 were trapped below decks by the water and flames. Many who did get into the water were unable to get clear of the suction as the ship plunged down and were sucked down with it. A number were killed by the explosion and by falling debris. Many were terribly burnt and collapsed in the water. Several were taken by shoals of
sharks which were quickly attracted to the area. Some survivors said that before they got away they heard the agonising cries of nurses caught by the flames billowing up to the promenade deck and of the men
trapped below. There was no chance to get out a wireless S.O.S. and no time to get any lifeboats free. Many boats were destroyed in the explosion and the flames had already enveloped others before the ship went down. Many lost their lives in trying to release rafts, not realising that the rafts would be released automatically as the ship sank.
Heart-rending Experiences
Survivors had horrible and heart-rending experiences in the water. Apart from those burned in escaping, many suffered severely from the hot oil scalding their eyes when they got into the water. Some men spent the whole time on planks, but the majority were able to get into two parties on rafts and wreckage, which they fastened together. One party of 23 had a raft, the top of the bridge house and a badly damaged lifeboat. They lashed them together with the electric light wiring attached to the bridge house and also obtained what planks and hatch covers they could gather in, to give the almost completely submerged
bridge house the buoyancy to carry 11 men, who, as they became exhausted from standing or kneeling in the water, changed over with those on the raft for a rest. Several rafts and the top of the wheel house were congregated and lashed together in the other party, numbering 30-odd, and including a nurse.
Missed by Planes
Two planes passed over shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday. Flares and smoke candles were lit, but the visibility had declined, and they were not seen. Later they saw two more planes and also two ships, which were too far away for their distress signals to be seen.
Submarine Waiting for Rescue Ships
Some time before dawn on Saturday an engine was heard. At first it was thought to be an aeroplane, so lights were shown and flares lit. it was soon identified as a Diesel engine, and they soon heard the cracking noise of a submarine coming to the surface. Some survivors saw the silhouette of the submarine, which was recharging its engine. Immediately it was realised it was the enemy, all lights were doused, as it was
feared that the enemy would open with machine-guns. Several survivors said that the Japanese obviously knew they were there and were waiting round in the hope of catching rescue vessels. After a short time the submarine disappeared.
Continuous Rain
There was almost continuous rain on Friday night and all suffered severely from the cold. Although there was not very much sun on either day they all suffered from sunburn, against which most of them had little clothing for protection as most lost their pyjamas as soon as they got into the water. They had enough food, milk tablets, chocolate, meat extract, prunes and raisins. Water was the main worry, one party having
very little and the other about two gallons. All had only enough to wet their lips on Friday evening and a mouthful just after dawn on Saturday.
Rescued on Saturday
A fifth plane was sighted on Saturday morning and another ship. Then at 1.45 p.m. they were sighted by a plane which guided an Allied vessel to the rescue. The first survivor was picked up about 2.15 p.m. and the last shortly afterwards. They were assisted in every way possible by the Allied sailors until they were landed early on Sunday morning and taken to hospital.
The Centaur was formerly on the run from Fremantle to Singapore. Her captain, G. A. Murray, of Aberdeen, was lost.
CAPTAIN MURRAY
Captain George Alexander Murray was born about 50 years ago in Buckie, Scotland, his father being in the trawling business.
Captain Murray went to sea with the Ben line and in 1916 was appointed a junior officer on the Nestor which was a troopship on the Australian run. He was next on ships trading to the Far East and returned to the Australian run as chief officer on the Ascanius and Ulysses. His first command was on the Ascanius seven years ago. He came to Western Australia to take command of the Centaur, with which ship he remained to the end.
CENTAUR TORPEDOED IN DARKNESS
SIXTY-FOUR SAVED OUT OF TOTAL OF 363
SHIP BURST INTO FLAMES, CAPSIZED AND SANK IN THREE MINUTES
Somewhere in Australia, May 18.-—The treacherous and in-human sinking of the Australian hospital ship Centaur (3222 tons), which was torpedoed without warning 40 miles east of Australia in darkness last Friday morning, while en route from Sydney to New Guinea, was announced from general headquarters to-day. Immediately after being hit the Centaur burst into flames and sank within three minutes. Of the 363 members of the crew and medical staff and nurses aboard, only 64 were saved. The survivors, who included only one of 12 nurses, were in the water for periods from 34 to 36 hours before being picked up by a small Allied vessel after being sighted by an aircraft. The Centaur was travelling un-escorted, was fully illuminated and marked with the red cross, thus complying with all the provisions of international law governing hospital ships in wartime. The weather was clear and visibility excellent, so there was no chance that the vessel was not recognised. It is the worst shipping tragedy which has ever occurred on the Australian coast and the death roll probably exceeds the total of lives lost in all other sinkings in Australian waters since the outbreak of war.
The Australian people have never been so completely shocked by any loss, at sea since the cruiser Sydney was sunk by a German raider in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia in November 1941, with the loss of her full complement. There can, however, be no comparison between the sinkings, as the Sydney was in combat where the Centaur was a non-combatant. There were no patients aboard, as the ship was bound northward on her second voyage since her conversion as a hospital ship was completed in March. The survivors included one medical officer, one nurse, 32 other medical personnel and 39 members
of the ship's crew. Though details of the casualty lists are not complete it is known that 18 doctors, 11 nurses and 193 other medical personnel are missing.
Struck at 4.10 a.m.
It was 4.10 a.m. when the torpedo struck and except for members of the crew on duty everyone was in bed. The survivors estimated that approximately 150 people succeeded in getting into the water, a few diving overboard and others being washed overboard as the ship capsized. More than 200 were trapped below decks by the water and flames. Many who did get into the water were unable to get clear of the suction as the ship plunged down and were sucked down with it. A number were killed by the explosion and by falling debris. Many were terribly burnt and collapsed in the water. Several were taken by shoals of
sharks which were quickly attracted to the area. Some survivors said that before they got away they heard the agonising cries of nurses caught by the flames billowing up to the promenade deck and of the men
trapped below. There was no chance to get out a wireless S.O.S. and no time to get any lifeboats free. Many boats were destroyed in the explosion and the flames had already enveloped others before the ship went down. Many lost their lives in trying to release rafts, not realising that the rafts would be released automatically as the ship sank.
Heart-rending Experiences
Survivors had horrible and heart-rending experiences in the water. Apart from those burned in escaping, many suffered severely from the hot oil scalding their eyes when they got into the water. Some men spent the whole time on planks, but the majority were able to get into two parties on rafts and wreckage, which they fastened together. One party of 23 had a raft, the top of the bridge house and a badly damaged lifeboat. They lashed them together with the electric light wiring attached to the bridge house and also obtained what planks and hatch covers they could gather in, to give the almost completely submerged
bridge house the buoyancy to carry 11 men, who, as they became exhausted from standing or kneeling in the water, changed over with those on the raft for a rest. Several rafts and the top of the wheel house were congregated and lashed together in the other party, numbering 30-odd, and including a nurse.
Missed by Planes
Two planes passed over shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday. Flares and smoke candles were lit, but the visibility had declined, and they were not seen. Later they saw two more planes and also two ships, which were too far away for their distress signals to be seen.
Submarine Waiting for Rescue Ships
Some time before dawn on Saturday an engine was heard. At first it was thought to be an aeroplane, so lights were shown and flares lit. it was soon identified as a Diesel engine, and they soon heard the cracking noise of a submarine coming to the surface. Some survivors saw the silhouette of the submarine, which was recharging its engine. Immediately it was realised it was the enemy, all lights were doused, as it was
feared that the enemy would open with machine-guns. Several survivors said that the Japanese obviously knew they were there and were waiting round in the hope of catching rescue vessels. After a short time the submarine disappeared.
Continuous Rain
There was almost continuous rain on Friday night and all suffered severely from the cold. Although there was not very much sun on either day they all suffered from sunburn, against which most of them had little clothing for protection as most lost their pyjamas as soon as they got into the water. They had enough food, milk tablets, chocolate, meat extract, prunes and raisins. Water was the main worry, one party having
very little and the other about two gallons. All had only enough to wet their lips on Friday evening and a mouthful just after dawn on Saturday.
Rescued on Saturday
A fifth plane was sighted on Saturday morning and another ship. Then at 1.45 p.m. they were sighted by a plane which guided an Allied vessel to the rescue. The first survivor was picked up about 2.15 p.m. and the last shortly afterwards. They were assisted in every way possible by the Allied sailors until they were landed early on Sunday morning and taken to hospital.
The Centaur was formerly on the run from Fremantle to Singapore. Her captain, G. A. Murray, of Aberdeen, was lost.
CAPTAIN MURRAY
Captain George Alexander Murray was born about 50 years ago in Buckie, Scotland, his father being in the trawling business.
Captain Murray went to sea with the Ben line and in 1916 was appointed a junior officer on the Nestor which was a troopship on the Australian run. He was next on ships trading to the Far East and returned to the Australian run as chief officer on the Ascanius and Ulysses. His first command was on the Ascanius seven years ago. He came to Western Australia to take command of the Centaur, with which ship he remained to the end.
Deck Boy David ABBOTT
Born: Moonee Ponds, Victoria
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 23-1-1943 - Melbourne, Victoria
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 16years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Sydney Charles Bertram and Isabel Beryl Abbott, of Camberwell, Victoria.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: Moonee Ponds, Victoria
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 23-1-1943 - Melbourne, Victoria
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 16years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Sydney Charles Bertram and Isabel Beryl Abbott, of Camberwell, Victoria.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) 20-5-1943
ABBOTT. –On May 14, by enemy action, H.S. Centaur, David, dearly loved youngest son of S. B. and I. B. Abbott, and brother of John and Sydney, of 3 Orrong crescent, Camberwell.
ABBOTT. –On May 14, by enemy action, H.S. Centaur, David, dearly loved youngest son of S. B. and I. B. Abbott, and brother of John and Sydney, of 3 Orrong crescent, Camberwell.
Third Engineer Officer George McLean ALEXANDER
Born: 1916, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement16-11-1941 - Birkenhead
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 26years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 8
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1916, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement16-11-1941 - Birkenhead
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 26years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 8
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Wiper Thomas Owen BEHAN
Born: Dublin, Ireland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 23-1-1941 - Adelaide, Sth. Aust.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 36years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Laurance and Ellen Behan
Husband of Isabell Behan, of Brisbane, Queensland.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: Dublin, Ireland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 23-1-1941 - Adelaide, Sth. Aust.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 36years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Laurance and Ellen Behan
Husband of Isabell Behan, of Brisbane, Queensland.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
1st Steward John Osborne BOWDEN
Born: 1911, Glasgow, Scotland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 18-8-1939 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 32years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Husband of Elizabeth Bowden, of Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1911, Glasgow, Scotland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 18-8-1939 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 32years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Husband of Elizabeth Bowden, of Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Bosun Gustav Reinhold BRANDIN
Born: 1892, Sweden
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement 15-7-1939 - Melbourne, Victoria
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 50years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1892, Sweden
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement 15-7-1939 - Melbourne, Victoria
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 50years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The Age (Melbourne, Vic) 29-5-1943
BRANDIN, — In loving memory of our dear friend. Gustave, lost at sea on May 14. H.M.A.H.S. Centaur. Dearly loved by all. Dorothy, Rheinhold Billie and Norman Semple
BRANDIN, — In loving memory of our dear friend. Gustave, lost at sea on May 14. H.M.A.H.S. Centaur. Dearly loved by all. Dorothy, Rheinhold Billie and Norman Semple
Steward John Charles BUCK
Born: 1889, London, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 18-4-1939 - Fremantle, Western Australia
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 54years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Edward and Ellen Buck
Husband of Vera Buck, of Subiaco, Western Australia.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1889, London, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 18-4-1939 - Fremantle, Western Australia
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 54years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Edward and Ellen Buck
Husband of Vera Buck, of Subiaco, Western Australia.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The West Australian (Perth, W.A.) 21-5-1943
BUCK (Charles). second steward on hospital ship Centaur, on May 14, as result of enemy action aged 54 years;. beloved husband of Vera May, loved father of Dorothy and Jack (A I F) and grandpa of Valerie and Ivan (77 Heytesbury road-road. Subiaco)
Au revoir, darling
BUCK (Charles). second steward on hospital ship Centaur, on May 14, as result of enemy action aged 54 years;. beloved husband of Vera May, loved father of Dorothy and Jack (A I F) and grandpa of Valerie and Ivan (77 Heytesbury road-road. Subiaco)
Au revoir, darling
Chief Steward James CAPPER
Born: 1894, Leicester, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement 26-9-1939 - Birkenhead
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 49years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Samuel and Chrittie Capper
Husband of Elizabeth Margaret Capper, of Bicton, Western Australia.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 8
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1894, Leicester, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement 26-9-1939 - Birkenhead
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 49years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Samuel and Chrittie Capper
Husband of Elizabeth Margaret Capper, of Bicton, Western Australia.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 8
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The West Australian (Perth, W.A.) 20-5-1943
CAPPER (James), Chief Steward on hospital ship Centaur, on May 14. as result of enemy action; dearly loved husband of Elizabeth Margaret, loved father of Lil and grandpa of little Margaret (corner Murray-road and Canninng-highway,East Fremantle)
Sadly missed.
CAPPER (James), Chief Steward on hospital ship Centaur, on May 14. as result of enemy action; dearly loved husband of Elizabeth Margaret, loved father of Lil and grandpa of little Margaret (corner Murray-road and Canninng-highway,East Fremantle)
Sadly missed.
Steward Charles Edmond James CAREY
Born: London, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 8-4-1939 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 28years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Charles and Janey Carey, of East Brunswick, Victoria.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: London, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 8-4-1939 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 28years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Charles and Janey Carey, of East Brunswick, Victoria.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The Age (Melbourne, Vic) 22-5-1943
CAREY. — On May 14. lost at sea, hospital ship Centaur, Charles (Chas.), beloved son of Janey, and loving brother of George, Irene (Mrs. Kemp) and Raymond (2nd A.I.F.), of 20 Overend-street, East Brunswick. Loved by all who knew him, A wonderful son.
CAREY. — On May 14. lost at sea, hospital ship Centaur, Charles (Chas.), beloved son of Janey, and loving brother of George, Irene (Mrs. Kemp) and Raymond (2nd A.I.F.), of 20 Overend-street, East Brunswick. Loved by all who knew him, A wonderful son.
Fireman Charles CLARK
Born: 1889, Stepney, London
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 25-10-1940 - Brisbane, Queensland
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 54years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Charles and Louise Clark, of London, England.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1889, Stepney, London
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 25-10-1940 - Brisbane, Queensland
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 54years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Charles and Louise Clark, of London, England.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
3rd Cook David Edward COCKERILL
Born: Clifton Hill
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 22-12-1941 - Melbourne, Victoria
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 43years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of George and Janet Emma Cockerill
Husband of Mabel Beatrice Cockerill, of Ascot Vale, Victoria.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: Clifton Hill
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 22-12-1941 - Melbourne, Victoria
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 43years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of George and Janet Emma Cockerill
Husband of Mabel Beatrice Cockerill, of Ascot Vale, Victoria.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The Age (Melbourne, Vic) 22-5-1943
COCKERILL. — On May 14, lost at sea, due to enemy action, David, loved husband of Mary, father of Joyce, 21 South-street, Ascot Vale. His duty nobly done.
COCKERILL.— Lost at sea from H.M.A.H.S. Centaur. David (Bon) (Merchant Navy). loved second son of Janet and the late George Cockerlll (late of Kensington), loving brother of Ray, Gladys, Cyril and
Herbert. At rest. — Inserted by his loving mother. 129 Primrose-street. Essendon.
COCKERILL. — On May 14, lost at sea, due to enemy action, David, loved husband of Mary, father of Joyce, 21 South-street, Ascot Vale. His duty nobly done.
COCKERILL.— Lost at sea from H.M.A.H.S. Centaur. David (Bon) (Merchant Navy). loved second son of Janet and the late George Cockerlll (late of Kensington), loving brother of Ray, Gladys, Cyril and
Herbert. At rest. — Inserted by his loving mother. 129 Primrose-street. Essendon.
Second Engineer Officer William David CUTHILL
Born: 1902, Arbroath, Angus Scotland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 7-10-1942 - Liverpool
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 41years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 8
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1902, Arbroath, Angus Scotland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 7-10-1942 - Liverpool
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 41years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 8
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Wiper Walter Ross DOWNIE
Born: 1914, Darlinghurst, Sydney, N.S.W.
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 5-12-1939 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 28years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Walter Albert Bernard & Florence Isobelle Bertha Downie, of Coogee, N.S.W.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1914, Darlinghurst, Sydney, N.S.W.
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 5-12-1939 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 28years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Walter Albert Bernard & Florence Isobelle Bertha Downie, of Coogee, N.S.W.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The Sydney Morning Herald (N.S.W.) 20-5-1943
DOWNIE.- May 14, 1943, killed as result of enemy action at sea (Hospital Ship Centaur) Walter Ross, loving son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Downie, of 262 Carrington Road, Coogee, brother of Dorothy, Letty, Laurel
Bill (R.A.M), Ronald (R.A.A.F.), brother-in-law of Hed and Tom, and dear friend of Kenny, aged 28 years.
DOWNIE.- May 14, 1943, killed as result of enemy action at sea (Hospital Ship Centaur) Walter Ross, loving son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Downie, of 262 Carrington Road, Coogee, brother of Dorothy, Letty, Laurel
Bill (R.A.M), Ronald (R.A.A.F.), brother-in-law of Hed and Tom, and dear friend of Kenny, aged 28 years.
Ordinary Francis William FOX
Born: 1925 Henty, N.S.W.
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 6-11-1942
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 18years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of William Charles and Annie Etheline Fox, of Griffith, New South Wales.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1925 Henty, N.S.W.
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 6-11-1942
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 18years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of William Charles and Annie Etheline Fox, of Griffith, New South Wales.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
The Mail (Adelaide, S.A.) 22-5-1943
Overstayed Leave.
Posted To Centaur
SYDNEY. — A week's leave spent with relatives in the Junee district took William Fox, 18 beyond sailing time of the ship on which he had been working for 12 months.
Transferred to the Centaur Fox was lost when the hospital ship was torpedoed. His parents tried hard to induce him to enlist in the R.A.A.F., but be said that the call of the sea was too strong.
Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.) 22-5-1943
Among those who lost their lives on the ill-fated Centaur was Seaman William Fox. aged 18 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Fox of Henty, and formerly farmers near Junee. He had missed the ship which he should have sailed, on and was only a week on the Centaur. He was educated at the Junee Convent School.
Overstayed Leave.
Posted To Centaur
SYDNEY. — A week's leave spent with relatives in the Junee district took William Fox, 18 beyond sailing time of the ship on which he had been working for 12 months.
Transferred to the Centaur Fox was lost when the hospital ship was torpedoed. His parents tried hard to induce him to enlist in the R.A.A.F., but be said that the call of the sea was too strong.
Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.) 22-5-1943
Among those who lost their lives on the ill-fated Centaur was Seaman William Fox. aged 18 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Fox of Henty, and formerly farmers near Junee. He had missed the ship which he should have sailed, on and was only a week on the Centaur. He was educated at the Junee Convent School.
Wiper John GALLAGHER
also known as James Gallagher
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 13-5-1939 - Newcastle
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 46years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
also known as James Gallagher
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 13-5-1939 - Newcastle
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 46years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 9
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Sculleryman Francis John GANNON
Born: 1912, Brisbane, Queensland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 12-12-1941 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 31years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Florence E & the late Thomas Gannon
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1912, Brisbane, Queensland
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 12-12-1941 - Sydney, N.S.W.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 31years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of Florence E & the late Thomas Gannon
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Greaser Robert GRAINGER
Born: 1895, Birkenhead, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 16-2-1942 - Whyalla Sth. Aust.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 51years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of James and Elizabeth Grainger
Husband of Amelia Grainger, of Newcastle, New South Wales.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll
Born: 1895, Birkenhead, England
Australian Merchant Navy
Date of Engagement: 16-2-1942 - Whyalla Sth. Aust.
Killed in Action 14-5-1943 aged 51years - at Sea off Brisbane, Queensland
Son of James and Elizabeth Grainger
Husband of Amelia Grainger, of Newcastle, New South Wales.
Sydney Memorial, Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales Panel 10
Honoured Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll