David John Morris was born in Newport, Pembrokeshire on 23 March 1869. He obtained his Second Mates’ Certificate of Competency on 5 December 1890 following service aboard the steamship Athabasca of Liverpool. He had first joined the mercantile marine as an Able Seaman in April 1885 aboard the square-rigger Picton Castle of Swansea. He later went on to serve as 2nd mate aboard the steamships Pavla of West Hartelpool, Yesso of Sutherland, Culitro of Sutherland (which was wrecked during the brief period of 10 days that he served), Driffield of Stockton, and Vicola of North Shields. His First Mate’s Certificate was obtained on 17 September 1892 and his Master’s Certificate on 4 June 1895.
He was described as 5’ 8” in height with a fair complexion, light brown hair and blue eyes.
David Morris joined the Huddart Parker company in …. He was appointed … officer to the Wimmera in … and only …
During the months of February-March 1918 he captained the Wimmera between Sydney and Auckland. He then …
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