Profiles

This page provides the names and personal details of all 75 crew members who were aboard the ss Wimmera on her final voyage from Auckland and at the time of her sinking on 26 June 1918. Among her crew were two brothers, a father and son, and a survivor of the Titanic.

C01	BACKSTEDT, David Donkeyman Aged 30 years Born 21 December 1887 in Kalmar, Sweden Naturalized as a British Subject in 1913 He arrived in Melbourne from  South Africa on Friday 5 February 1909 aboard the ship SS Corfe Castle. He then resided at Clunes, Victoria before undertaking employment on coasting vessels. When he applied for a certificate of naturalization in 1913 he stated his occupation was ‘marine stoker’. Signed on to the Wimmera as a Fireman on 2 February 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. His previous ship was the Zealandia. Resided at 88 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales
C02	BENNETT, A. Trimmer Aged 29 years Born about 1889 A native of London. Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Bulla. Home address stated as 75 Brabington [sic] Road, London
C03	BENNETT, Henry George Ordinary Seaman Aged 15 years Born 15 September 1902 in Whitianga, New Zealand the son of John Irvine and Fanny Elizabeth BENNETT (nee SULLEN) Served on the Wimmera on several voyages in May and June 1918 Following the sinking served on the Manuka in April and May 1919
C04	BENNETT, Percival Joseph “Percy” (aka BENNETTS) Fireman Aged 29 years Born 1889 in Ararat, Victoria, the son of Joseph BENNETT(S) and Rosina (nee DIEHM). He was one of four children. Signed on to the Wimmera as a Fireman on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final voyage from Sydney. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Riverina. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was discharged with 5 10 wages owing. His home address was 73 Metropolitan Road, Enmore, New South Wales
C05	BENSON, Bernt Casualty Able Seaman Aged about 27 years, a native of Norway Bernt Benson served on Huddart Parker’s Westralia from at least November 1915 until July 1917. From August 1917 until June 1918 he served aboard the Wimmera. He last signed up as an Able Seaman on the Wimmera on 28 January 1918. His wages were then set at 11 – per month.
C06	BLACKBOROUGH, James First Grade Steward Aged about 50 years Born about 1858, a native of Halifax, Yorkshire, England Signed onto the Wimmera as a 1st Grade Steward on 27 January 1918. His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. For a number of years was associated with Captain Carrington when Master of the COOGEE. In January 1918 was resident at 91 Jersey Road, Woollahra, New South Wales He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C07	BOMONT, Arthur Casualty Wireless Operator Aged 24 years Born as August Arthur REUSCHLING on 15 December 1893 at the Maternity Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, the illegitimate son of German-born Louisa REUSCHLING, a photograph enameller. On 27 March 1902 his mother married in Glasgow to Belgian-born divorced photographer Frederick Holmbrecht BOMONT aka BOWMONT formerly HOLMBRECHT. The couple were living together prior to their marriage and Louisa and Arthur had already taken on his adopted surname BOWMONT. Arthur’s step-father was then some 20 or more years senior to his mother. By 1907 his mother was now living with Arthur William HUDSON, also a photographer, and had taken on his surname. However, Arthur retained the surname BOWMONT, and it was under that name the then 13-year old is listed as a passenger aboard the steamship Athenic which departed London for Wellington on 6 February 1907. Accompanying him to New Zealand were his mother and new step-father. Employed by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd Signed on as wireless operator to the Wimmera on 14 June 1918 just prior to her final departure from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Wodonga. Resided at Bond Street, Arch Hill, Auckland, New Zealand – the same as that of his mother – Louisa HUDSON
C08	BREWIS, William Alexander Fireman Aged 25 years Born 11 October 1892 in Plaistow, West Ham, the son of James and Mary Ann BREWIS (nee BELL) Believed to have run away from home at the age of 14 to join the Merchant Navy. Signed on to the Wimmera as a Fireman on 3 May 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Booral. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 9 July 1918 with 5 10 0 wages owing. Three months later, on 16 October 1918 he married in Waverley, Sydney to Marion Crawford PARK.
C09	BROOKES, Archie Howard Casualty 3rd Officer Aged 37 years Born 6 October 1880 in Auckland, New Zealand, the son of George Hovey and Martha Jane BROOKES (nee CUTLER) Married 27 March 1911, St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Auckland to Lovina Averline Phyllis CUNNINGHAM Father of two sons – Archie Hovey BROOKES born 13 September 1913 (aged 4 1/2) and Jack Gordon BROOKES born 23 November 1917 (aged 7 months) Signed on to the Wimmera as 3rd Officer on 29 January 1918. His wages were 16 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera and had also served with the Union Steam Ship Company.
C10	BUTLER, Henry Edward 1st Grade Steward Aged 35 years Born 3 October 1882, Nunstead, London, England, the son of Joshua and Louisa BUTLER Home address was 55 Ansdell Road, Peckham, London (the address of his parents) Signed onto the Wimmera as a 1st Grade Steward on 3 May 1918.  His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the ships Manuka, Canberra, Levuka and Australbush He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka He later served on the Riverina and Wyandra
C11	CAMPION, James (aka James RAYNOR) Fireman Aged about 28 years Born about 1890, a native of London, England Signed on to the Wimmera as a Fireman on 3 May 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Urilla. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 10 July 1918 with 5 10 – wages owing.
C12	COLLIER, Stanley Raymond Casualty 2nd Engineer Aged about 32 years Born about 1885 in Sydney, New South Wales, the son of William and Louisa Esther COLLIER (nee McKAY) Unmarried Of ‘Wyagdon’, Croydon Avenue, Croydon (the same address as his parents Signed on to the Wimmera as 2nd Engineer on 28 January 1918. His wages were 23 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera.

C13	CORNER,  Frederick Edward Leslie “Les” 2nd Grade Steward Aged 36 years Born 14 November 1881 at/near Goulburn, New South Wales, the son of Frederick Edward and Susan CORNER (nee DAVIDSON) Unmarried Signed on to the Wimmera as a 2nd Grade Steward on 19 March 1918. His wages were 8 – per month. He was previously on the ship Indarra. Residential address given as Breadalbane, New South Wales where his father was the local stationmaster Returned to Sydney from Auckland as a passenger aboard the Atua, arriving 15 August 1918. Following the sinking, on 25 October 1918 he enlisted in the A.I.F., however as the war soon came to an end he was discharged without seeing service.
C14	CROSA, Frederick Casualty Nightwatchman Aged about 44 years Born about 1874, a native of Turin, Italy but a Naturalised British Subject Signed onto the Wimmera as Nightwatchman on 18 March 1918. His wages were 10 – per month. He has been identified as having served aboard the Wimmera in 1918 and 1917. He also served aboard the Huddart Parker steamer Riverina during 1914, 1915 and 1916. He was employed as both a 1st and 2nd Grade Steward during those years. Although unconfirmed it is possible that Frederick CROSA was previously known as Tebaldo CROSA, who was born in Turea in the Province of Turin, Italy on 11 January 1873 and who arrived in Australia aboard the s.s. Gera on 10 February 1896. This is the same Tebaldo CROSA who, in 1904, was the licensee of the Colonial Wine Saloon at 41 Market Street, Sydney, and who applied for and was granted a Certificate of Naturalization in that year.
C15	CUMMINGS, John 2nd Grade Steward Aged about 54 years Born about 1864 in London, England Married to Mary Elizabeth HEATH The couple had two sons, Sydney and Timothy His son Sydney John CUMMINGS was also a steward with Huddart Parker and for a number of voyages prior to her sinking both father and son worked together aboard the Wimmera John CUMMINGS signed onto the Wimmera as a 2nd Grade Steward on 28 January 1918. His wages were 8 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. His position on the ship included that of both 2nd Grade Steward and that of Nightwatchman. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. Home address was 11 The Crofts, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria
C16	CURTIS, Ernest 2nd Steward Aged about 35 years Born about 1883, a native of London, England Married 28 April 1914 at St. Stephen’s Church, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales to Ethel Maud BOURKE Signed onto the Wimmera as 2nd Steward on 28 January 1918. His wages were 10 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Home address was 11 Campbell Street, Paddington
C17	DE BEUZE, Jan aka John Fireman Aged about 45 years A native of Amsterdam, Netherlands Signed on to the Wimmera as a Fireman on 19 March 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Mallina. Of 22 Lower Fort Street, Dawes Point, Sydney (compensation claim address) He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka.
C18	DONAGHY, Joseph Able Seaman Aged about 27 years Born about 1891, a native of Glasgow, Scotland Signed onto the Wimmera on as an Able Seaman on 17 June 1918 just prior to her departure from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Wyreema. Returned to Sydney from Auckland as a passenger aboard the Atua, arriving 15 August 1918. Married on 14 October 1918 in Sydney, New South Wales to Harriett Bridget RICE
C19	EDWARDS, Ernest Scullion Aged about 22 years Born about 1896 in Melbourne, Victoria Signed onto the Wimmera as Scullion on 17 May 1918. His wages were 7 10 – per month. He was previously on the ship Gabo. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. Home was Flemington, Melbourne
C20	FANNING, Joseph Trimmer Aged about 22 years Born about 1896 in Melbourne, Victoria Signed onto the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Home address was 29 Elgin Street, Carlton, Victoria. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka.
C21	FORSYTH, James R. 2nd Grade Steward Aged about 31 years Born about 1887, a native of Paisley, Scotland Signed on to the Wimmera as a 2nd Grade Steward on 17 May 1918. His wages were 8 – per month. He was previously on the ship Katoomba. Home address was Greenhill House, Paisley, Scotland He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka.
C22	FRANKHAM, Nathaniel John Frederick Fireman Aged 37 years Born 3 March 1881 in Canning Town, Essex, England, the son of James and Sophia FRANKHAM. He was one of six children. Married 25 December 1902 at St. Philip, Battersea, Wandsworth, England to Ada Sophia Skinner HILL. Employed on the Wimmera with his brother William Henry George FRANKHAM (below) Signed on to the Wimmera as a Fireman on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final departure from Sydney. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Riverina. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 10 July 1918 with 5 10 wages owing. Nathanial FRANKHAM, fireman, was listed in the 1917 NSW Electoral Roll as residing at 64 Duke Street, Darlinghurst
C23	FRANKHAM, William Henry George Trimmer Aged 34 years Born 9 January 1884 in Canning Town, Essex, England, the son of James and Sophia FRANKHAM Employed on the Wimmera with his brother Nathaniel John Henry FRANKHAM (above) Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final departure from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Levuka. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 10 July 1918 with nil wages owing. William FRANKHAM, fireman, was listed in the 1917 NSW Electoral Roll as residing at 64 Duke Street, Darlinghurst, the same address as his brother
C24	FRANKLAND, Richard Arthur Butcher Aged 53 years Born 1864, Hull, Yorkshire, England Signed on to the Wimmera as Butcher on 28 January 1918. His wages were 9 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C25	GALLAGHER, Henry William John First Grade Steward Aged 29 years Born 11 March 1889 in North Melbourne, Victoria, the son of William Henry and Ann Jane GALLAGHER (nee BORAMAN) Unmarried Signed on to the Wimmera as a 1st Grade Steward on 28 January 1918. His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Employed on the Wimmera with his father William Henry GALLAGHER (below) Home address was 188 McPherson Street, Essendon, Victoria
C26	GALLAGHER, William Henry First Grade Steward Aged 56 years Born 28 July 1861 in London, England, the son of William and Susannah GALLAGHER (nee DOWSETT) Married 8 May 1888 at St. Mary’s, North Melbourne, Victoria to Ann Jane BORAMAN Signed on to the Wimmera as a 1st Grade Steward on 28 January 1918. His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Employed on the Wimmera with his son Henry William John GALLAGHER (above) Home address was 188 McPherson Street, Essendon, Victoria
C27	GAMBLE, Edward Reginald Warburton “Jack” Pantryman Aged about 32 years Born 1885 in Walhalla, Victoria to Dr Henry Warburton Barton and Mary Ann GAMBLE (nee THOMSON LEE) Unmarried Signed on to the Wimmera as Pantryman on 19 March 1918. His wages were 9 10 – per month. He was previously on the ship Niagara. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 11 July 1918 with nil wages owing. Resident of Argyle Street, St. Kilda
C28	GEARY, Alexander Able Seaman Aged 30 years Born 19 November 1887 in Invercargill, New Zealand to William and Mary GEARY Signed onto the Wimmera as an AB on 19 March 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Carina and prior to that he was on the Victoria and the Riverina Home address was Burgoyne Road, Albany, Western Australia
C29	GORRIE, Kenneth Stewart Purser Aged 22 years Born 17 May 1896 in Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand, the son of Alexander Forsyth and Hannah Eliza GORRIE Signed on to the Wimmera as Purser on 30 January 1918. His wages were 11 10 per month. He was previously on the Wimmera.
C30	GRAHAM, Thomas G. Trimmer Aged about 25 years Born about 1893, a native of London, England Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 4 April 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He previously served on the Wimmera He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was discharged on 10 July 1918 with 5 10 wages owing. Home address was 372 Manchester Rd., Cubitt Town, London, England
C31	GREAVES, Edgar Casualty First Grade Steward Aged 26 years Born 1891 in Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, England, the son of William James and Mary Elizabeth GREAVES (nee BUSHBY) Unmarried Previously served on the Zealandia
C32	GRIMSHAW, Thomas George 2nd Cook Aged 20 years Born 12 August 1897 at Kaukapakapa, Helensville, New Zealand, the son of Robert Henry and Maria GRIMSHAW (nee LYNCH) Unmarried Previously served as a cook on the Wimmera and the Leura. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C33	HAWES, Charles Fireman Aged about 22 years Born about 1896 in Bromley by Bow, London, England, the son of Robert and Jemima HAWES Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 4 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Raparoa. Also previously served on the ship Ballarat (P&O Branch Line) which was requisitioned as a troopship and was torpedoed in the English Channel on 25 April 1917. Home address was 16 Cooper Street, [Canning Town], London He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C34	HAWKESWOOD, Norman Stanley Assistant Purser Aged 20 years Born 4 November 1897 in St. Leonards, New South Wales, the son of Alfred Stephen and Florence HAWKESWOOD (nee HALL) Unmarried Signed onto the Wimmera as Assistant Purser on 28 January 1918. His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Has been employed by the Huddart-Parker Company for the past two and a half years, and was formerly employed on the office staff of Messrs. John Burns and Company, Limited. A resident at 311 Mt Eden Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
C35	HENNINGSEN, Leslie Able Seaman Aged about 32 years Born about 1886 Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final departure from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Gabo. Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 11 July 1918 with nil wages owing. Resided at 33 Botany Street, Redfern, Sydney (compensation claim address)
C36	JOHANNESSEN, Johan Able Seaman Aged 26 years Born 22 March 1892, Fredrikstad, Norway. A Naturalized British Subject. Signed onto the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 19 March 1917. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Mawatta. Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C37	JONES, Owen Able Seaman Aged about 48 years Born about 1870, a native of Liverpool, England Signed onto the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 3 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously the boatswain (bosun) on the ship Burwah. Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 9 July 1918 with 4 10 0 in wages.
C38	KELL, Herbert James Graham Casualty Master
C39	KOECK, Gerhard Ship’s Carpenter Aged 30 years Born 16 January 1888 in Tasmania, the son of Sebastian Philip and Mary Ann KOECK (nee WEBB) Signed on to the Wimmera as Carpenter on 29 January 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka Resident of 221 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania
C40	McCARTNEY, John Trimmer Aged about 49 years Born about 1869, a native of County Antrim, Ireland Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 15 June 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Orontes. Resident at 77 College Street, Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales
C41	McCREEVE, Frederick Trimmer Aged about 37 years Born about 1881, a native of Belfast, Ireland Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 June 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Burringbar. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was released on 13 July 1918 with nil wages owing.
C42	MacDONALD, Robert 3rd Engineer Aged about 31 years Born in 1887 in Glasgow, Scotland Signed onto the Wimmera as 3rd Engineer on 3 May 1918. His wages were 19 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Riverina.  Of 13 Rudd St., Drummoyne, Sydney (compensation claim address) Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C43	McFARLANE, John Able Seaman Aged about 24 years Born about 1894 in Glasgow, Scotland Signed onto the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 17 May 1918.   His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Zealandia. Home address was 32 Rockcliffe Street, Glasgow Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C44	McKENZIE, Kenneth Cadet Steward Aged 17 years Born 11 February 1901, Parramatta, New South Wales, the son of John and Emily McKENZIE (nee RAE) Signed on to the Wimmera as a Cadet Steward on 4 May 1918. His wages were 3 4 0 – per month. He was previously on the ship Zealandia. A member of Marine Stewards’ and Pantrymen’s Association. Home address was Windsor Road, Parramatta Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C45	McLEAN, Charles Able Seaman Aged about 27 years Born about 1891 in Auckland, New Zealand Signed on to the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 29 January 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera and the Westralia Resided in Auckland, New Zealand Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C46	McMILLAN, Clara Louisa, Miss Casualty Saloon Stewardess Aged about 31 years Born in 1887 in Richmond, Victoria, the daughter of Alfred and Margaret McMILLAN (nee PARRY) Signed onto the Wimmera as Saloon Stewardess on 28 January 1918. Her wages were 11 10 – per month. She was previously on the Wimmera. Of 42 Richardson Street, Albert Park, the address of her parents She was well known in the Melbourne Bay service as stewardess on the Hygeia, a position which she left for 4 or 5 years. She had also served on the Rotomahana, running between Melbourne and Launceston.
C47	MARTIN, Edward Ordinary Seaman Aged about 29 years Born about 1889 in Sydney, New South Wales Signed onto the Wimmera as an Ordinay Seaman on 15 June 1918 just prior to her departure from Sydney. His wages were 7 10 – per month. He was previously on the ship Manuka. Returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka Resided at 233 Goulburn Street, Sydney
C48	MOWATT, Douglas Lodder Casualty 4th Engineer Aged 25 years Born 10 June 1893 in Wellington, New Zealand, the son of William Moffan and Sarah Ann MOWATT (nee POTTER) Brother of William, David, George, Frank, Annie, Daisy and Jessie Unmarried Home address was 30 Thompson St, Wellington, New Zealand Signed onto the Wimmera as 4th Engineer on 28 January 1918. His wages were 16 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera.
C49	MULVENNA, John Casualty Able Seaman Aged 27 years Born 13 April 1891 in Glenarm, County Antrim, Ulster, the son of Alexander and Martha MULVENNA (nee McKENTY) Brother of Charles, Matthew, Annie, Sarah, Jane and Margaret Unmarried Home address was Mark Street, Glenarm, Ireland Signed on to the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 28 January 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera.
C50	MURDOCH, William John Trimmer Aged 43 years Born 17 September 1874 at Great Clifton, Cumberland (or Cumbria), the son of Nathaniel and Anne MURDOCK (nee McMASTER) Married 27 February 1901 in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Catherine ROBSON. He was the father of three living children – Joseph Robson MURDOCH (15 years), Anne Martin MURDOCH (14 years) and William John MURDOCH (13 years) His home address (and that of his wife and children) was 6 Templemore Street, Belfast. Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Katoomba. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off with 5 10 wages owing. William John MURDOCH was a surviving crew member of the RMS Titanic which sank on 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg whilst on her maiden voyage. He was rescued and reached New York aboard the Carpathia. On the Titanic he served as a fireman in the Engineering Department.

C51	NEAL, Charles Fireman Aged about 35 years Born about 1883 in Sydney, New South Wales Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 3 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Makura. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 11 July 1918 with nil wages owing
C52	NEWTON, Edith Keighley Casualty Aged about 47 years Born about October-December 1870 in Chorlton, Lancashire, England, the daughter of Thomas Eli and Margaret Jane NEWTON (nee KEIGHLEY) Unmarried Home address was Kirk Street, Chatswood, Sydney, New South Wales Signed onto the Wimmera as Assistant (Saloon) Stewardess on 28 January 1918. Her wages were 4 – per month. She was previously on the Wimmera. She signed on again as Stewardess on 3 May 1918.
C53	NICHOL, Alexander John Casualty Chief Officer / 1st Mate Aged 40 years Born 8 January 1878 in Portgordon, Scotland, the son of Alexander John NICHOL (a master mariner) and Jean BRUCE. Married 19  July 1910 at St. Stephen’s Church, Sydney, to Ella Mary HYSLOP He was the father of three children – Sydney Ronald Alexander (7 years), Jeanie Ella Mary (6 years) and Ruby May Annie (3 years) He served on the brigantine Welcome Home as an apprentice for four years in the Baltic and coasting trades. He joined Huddart Parker in October 1904 as 3rd Officer of the Barwon and first served on the Wimmera as 2nd Officer from December 1908 to January 1910. Signed onto the Wimmera as 1st Mate on 17 May 1918. His wages were 22 – per month. He was previously on the ship Zealandia on the West Australia run.
C54	PAXTON, Alfred Richard Chief Engineer Aged about 49 years Born 1869 in Emerald Hill (South Melbourne), Victoria, the son of Captain William PAXTON and Ellen CARROLL Married in 1898 in Victoria to Sophia Isobel Dunkels BUHLER He was the father of two children – a son, Alfred William (19 years), and a daughter, Irene Buhler (12 years) Resided at Bourke Road, Canterbury, Melbourne, Victoria Signed onto the Wimmera as Chief Engineer on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final voyage from Sydney. His wages were 32 4  – per month. He was previously on the ship Barwon. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C55	POINTER, Henry John Chief Cook Aged about 46 years Born about 1872, a native of London, England Signed onto the Wimmera as Chief Cook on 19 March 1918. His wages were 15 10 – per month. He was previously on the ship Cooma. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka
C56	RIDDLE, Ronald Charles Edwin “Charles” Able Seaman Aged 26 years Born 19 January 1892 in Georgetown, Tasmania, the son of William Henry and Amy Jane RIDDLE (nee SIMPSON) Signed on to the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 17 May 1918. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Zealandia.
C57	ROBERTSON, Jean Black (nee CARSON) Casualty Aged 50 years + 1 day Born 25 June 1868 at Hotham, Melbourne, Victoria, the daughter of Robert Whigham and Mary CARSON (nee SCOTT) Sister of James CARSON and Annie ST. CLAIR (nee CARSON) Widow of George ROBERTSON who she married on 11 June 1889. Mother of Edith Ethel BENNETT (nee ROBERTSON) the late Audrey Jean ROBERTSON who died at the age of 18 years in 1912. Signed onto the Wimmera as Fore Cabin Stewardess on 28 January 1918. Her wages were 4 – per month. She was previously on the Wimmera.
C58	ROBINSON, Thomas Able Seaman Aged 27 years Born about 1891 a native of Greenock, Scotland Signed onto the Wimmera as an Able Seaman on 17 June 1918 just prior to her departure from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He stated that he was previously on the ship Burwah although no record indicates his arrival in Sydney aboard this ship as a crew member in 1918. Returned to Sydney from Auckland as a passenger aboard the Atua, arriving 15 August 1918.
C59	ROPER, William Arthur Trimmer Aged about 32 years Born about 1886 a native of London, England Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final voyage from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Atua.  Resided in Sydney at various addresses He returned to Sydney from Wellington aboard the Manuka. On 12 July 1918 soon after arriving back he, and another man, faced the Central Police Court charged with riotous behaviour in a lodging house in Elizabeth Street. He was found guilty and fined 10s, in default three days gaol.
C60	SAVILLE, Richard Herbert “Bert” Saloon Waiter Aged 30 years years Born 4 September 1887 in Rathdrum, County Wicklow, Ireland, the son of Edward and Martha Revel Joley SAVILLE Married in 1915 in Oakleigh, Victoria to Alice Victoria LEWIS Signed on to the Wimmera as Head Waiter on 29 January 1918. His wages were 9 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Home address was 84 Wellington Street, Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. After a prolonged period, in 1924 he divorced Alice and in 1925 he remarried in Sydney to Violet May MELISKA Richard Herbert SAVILLE continued working aboard ships until, on 17 June 1942, as a 1st Class Steward on Burns Philp’s M.V. Macdhui, then at Port Moresby, New Guinea, he was injured as a result of a Japanese bombing attack. He died as a result of his injuries five days later on 22 June 1942.
C61	SMEED, Walter Sidney Forecabin Steward Aged 37 years Born in 1881 in Greenwich, Kent, England, the son of Walter Robert and Jane SMEED. He was baptised on 8 December 1886 at the East Greenwich Christ Church. His 30-year old father died earlier that same year. He had at least two siblings, an elder sister, Alice, and a younger sister, Norah. At the age of 20, at the time of the 1901 UK Census, he was already working as a ship’s steward and was residing with his widowed mother,  his sister, aunt and cousin at their house in Greenwich. He married in Victoria in 1906 to Amelia BEDWELL. There were no known children. Signed onto the Wimmera as Forecabin Steward on 28 January 1918. His wages were 9 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. He died in Manly, New South Wales on 26 March 1955.
C62	SMITH, Cecil Rawhiti “Rah” Ordinary Seaman Aged 17 years Cecil Rawhiti Smith was born on 28 February 1901 in Timaru, New Zealand, the son Cecil Edmund and Annie Elizabeth Smith (nee McNiven). He signed onto the Wimmera as an Ordinary Seaman on 29 January 1918 with wages of 7 10 per month. He served on the Wimmera on at least a dozen voyages between Australia and New Zealand during 1917 and 1918. Following the sinking he was returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. His home address and that of his parents was Ma Waro (Mawaro) near Timaru.
C63	STAPLETON, Clarence William Richard First Grade Steward Aged 23 years Born 12 August 1894, Balmain, New South Wales, the son of John and Annie STAPLETON Married 5 May 1915 in Petersham, New South Wales to Elsie Ivy PERKINS Signed on to the Wimmera as a 2nd Grade Steward on 1 February 1918. His wages were 8 – per month. He was previously on the ship Indarra. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. Resided at Belmore Road, Randwick.
C64	THOMAS, William Fireman / Ship’s storekeeper Aged about 29 years Born about 1889, Swansea, Wales Signed onto the Wimmera as a Fireman on 3 May 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Rupara. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 9 July 1918 with 5 10 0 wages owing. Home address was 71 Glassop Street, Balmain, Sydney
C65	THOMASSON, Thomas Able Seaman Aged 31 years Born 31 August 1886, Christinestad (Kristinestad), Finland, Russia Signed onto the Wimmera just prior to her final departure from Sydney on 17 June. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Carrier Dove. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. Finnish seaman Thomas Thomasson joined the A.I.F. on 26 April 1916 in Melbourne. As a Russian subject he was a reservist in the Imperial Russian Army and had to join the Australian Forces as he was unable to return home. He embarked the Orsova for service overseas on 1 August 1916. He served with the 29th Battalion in France and returned to Melbourne/Australia aboard the transport Port Darwin, arriving 11 January 1918. He was discharged from the A.I.F. on 5 April 1918 as medically unfit. It was in Melbourne that he then joined the American four-masted schooner Carrier Dove which left Melbourne on 1 June and arrived Sydney on 10 June 1918.
C66	THOMPSON, Alfred Trimmer Aged about 29 years Born about 1889 in London, England Signed on to the Wimmera as a Trimmer on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final voyage from Sydney. His wages were 11 – per month. He was previously on the ship Wyreema. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was paid off on 10 July 1918 with nil wages owing. He was a resident of 71 Palmer Street, Balmain
C67	TILDSLEY, Francis Robert “Frank” Casualty Trimmer Aged 32 years Born 24 January 1886, Robertson, New South Wales, the son of Charles and Jane TILDSLEY (nee LONGMORE) Brother of Ethel, May, Charles, Florence, Gertrude, Elsie and Ella. Married 6 April 1914 in Burwood, New South Wales to Maude Agnes O’LEARY Signed onto the Wimmera as Trimmer on 16 June 1918 just prior to her final voyage from Sydney. His wage then being 11 – per month. His previous ship was the Riverina although he had previously served on the Wimmera. Home address was 156 Princes Street, Sydney
C68	VERGE, Henry (Harry) Casualty Chief Steward Aged about 48 years, a native of London, England Married 7 April 1901 in Sydney to Mary GILL Signed on to the Wimmera as Chief Steward on 29 January 1918. His wages were 16 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Home address was 400 Albert Street, East Melbourne
C69	WENSLEY, James Ralph First Grade Steward Aged 21 years Born 1896 in Manchester, Lancashire, England, the son of James Richard and Mary WENSLEY He arrived in Melbourne, Victoria aboard the White Star Liner Irishman at the age of 16 on 5 May 1912 together with his parents and brother, Joseph. In September 1913 he faced court with another youth, charged with ‘having shot at and attempted to murder a Chinese hawker named Ah Hong at Toorak on August 30.” The pair escaped conviction on that charged but were found guilty of stealing fruit from the man which had caused the trouble in the first place. Described as ‘unmitigated young blackguards’ for their actions, the sentencing judge sent them to prison for six months with hard labour. Signed on to the Wimmera as a 1st Grade Steward on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final voyage from Sydney. His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the ship Victoria. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka. His home address was 39 Duke Street, Balaclava, Victoria, the same as his father
C70	WILLIAMS, Thomas E. Fireman/Engine room storekeeper Aged about 38 years Born about 1880, a native of London, England Signed onto the Wimmera as a Fireman on 1 February 1918. His wages were 13 – per month. He was previously on the ship Victoria. Home address was 204 Darling Street, Balmain He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka.
C71	WILSON, Charles Frederick 2nd Officer / 2nd Mate Aged 35 years Born Oct-Nov-Dec period 1882 in West Hartlepool, County Durham, England, the son of shipowner, James WILSON Married in 1915 in Melbourne, Victoria to Kathleen Alice BECKETT Father of one daughter, Joan Valerie WILSON (Aged about 2) Signed onto the Wimmera as 2nd Mate on 17 May 1918 just prior to her previous trip from Sydney. His wages were 19 – per month. He was previously on the ship Westralia.
C72	WOOD, William 2nd Grade Steward Aged about 32 years, Born about 1896 in Capetown, South Africa Signed on to the Wimmera as a 2nd Grade Steward on 17 May 1918. Wages 8 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera and had also previously served aboard the British Yeaoman, Manuka, Wyreema, Katoomba, Paringa and Levuka He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka and was discharged on 11 July 1918 with nil wages owing
C73	WOODS, Francis William “Frank” Sculleryman / Scullion Aged 25 years Born 18 December 1892, Whangarei, New Zealand, the son of William and Catherine WOODS Unmarried Believed to have signed onto the Wimmera in Auckland prior to her final voyage. Previously served as a steward aboard the Niagara and Moana He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka Died in Whangarei, New Zealand on 20 April 1925 at the age of 32 years
C74	WOODARD, Charles Thomas Casualty 1st Grade Steward Aged 54 years Born 21 February 1864, Christchurch, New Zealand, the son of John and Elizabeth Ellen WOODARD Married 1892 in New Zealand to Edith Clara MILLS Father of five – Frances Clara Charlton EAST (nee WOODARD) (about 26 years); Horace Herbert Charles Edward WOODARD (about 24 years and a soldier in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces); Vera WOODARD (about 16 years); Eric Philip Roy (Roy Eric Philip) WOODARD (about 12 years); and Lawrence Dudley WOODARD (about 10 years) Signed onto the Wimmera as a 1st Grade Steward on 27 January 1918. His wages were 8 10 – per month. He was previously on the Wimmera. Home address was Nelson House, Bondi Road, Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales
C75	YATES, Sydney Victor Baker Aged 32 years Born 30 October 1885 in Aylesbury, Cambridgeshire, England, the son of Thomas and Victoria YATES Married 23 March 1918 at the Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, New South Wales to Christina E. NICHOLSON Signed on to the Wimmera as Baker on 17 June 1918 just prior to her final departure from Sydney. His wages were 12 – per month. He was previously on the ship Victoria. He returned to Sydney aboard the Manuka.