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Richard T. Vaughan
Chief Petty Officer
Photo courtesy of Kevin Esmore.
Mr. Vaughan has many memories of service on the Cerberus. When he joined he was appointed to the engine-room staff, which in those days meant promotion at the end of 12 months. The reason for this was the unhealthy condition of service below deck. The engine-room was unventilated, dark, and damp. The only illumination consisted of a few kerosene lamps. It was impossible for daylight to penetrate "'tween decks."
The Australasian, 16 August 1924
On Wednesday, the remains of Mr. R. T. Vaughan were interred in the local cemetery by Mr. E.W. Jackson. Mr. Vaughan was born in Spring street, Melbourne, 76 years ago, and for the past 37 years had attended daily at the Breakwater Pier and dropped the time ball at 1 o'clock, and also checked the tide gauge. In 1861, when a lad of 10, he joined the man o war, Prince Arthur, and then had a seafaring life until 1876, when he retired, and joined the Victorian navy, being attached to the Victoria, then doing duty as a survey ship. In the following year he transferred to the Cerberus, and held the rank of chief petty officer. He resided at No 10 Thomas street, North Williamstown, and the cause of death was pneumonia. For the ten days during which he was ill, the time ball was neglected. Mr. Vaughan, some years ago, detailed some interesting information to a Melbourne daily regarding the historical surroundings of the old time ball tower at Williamstown.
The Argus, 19 June 1926
died: 14-6-1926
source:
Victorian Navy Monument, Williamstown Cemetery
Erected by the Officers, Petty Officers and Men of the Permanent Naval Force of Victoria
In Memory of their Deceased Comrades
Large Monument surmounted by Large Anchor
courtesy of Helen Harris, OAM |
