Friday, 15 April 2016

What's in a name?

Today I came across a fifth cousin once removed on my tree. He was born in June 1916 during World War 1, and named Verdun Mesopotania Humphrey [sic]. There were many children born in that time named for campaigns and battles their relatives fought (and died) in. His father had died at sea before his birth, and his uncle died a month after his birth in the Balkan Theatre.
Verdun went on to emigrate to Australia and the Master of the P&O ship Benalla which he sailed on, was Captain Sheepwash.
I've mentioned before that when there is an unusual name, I'm driven to find out more about the person behind it.


(*Image cw39.com/)

I found the following information about Captain Sheepwash and his career, also on the torpedo damage the Ballarat (on which he was the supernumerary chief
officer) took in 1917

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1 comment:

  1. James Kreuzer18 October 2020 at 11:05

    Hi Alysa,

    I am a collector and historian of early wireless apparatus and found in my collection an original Marconi Wireless Bearing Corrector in its original box, and is engraved with the name " J C Sheepwash" Do you have any more information on this person, I am quite proud of this rare item and would gladly send you some photos if you would like.

    All the Best, James Kreuzer Grand Island, New York

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