Cover image for Robert Cracknell
Agency:
Robert Cracknell
Agency Number:
Start Date:
29 Dec 1855
End Date:
09 Oct 1945
Description:
Born in the Cat and Fiddle Alley, Hobart Town, on December 29th, 1855, Robert Cracknell was a veteran whaler and Hobart waterfront identity. He was born into a seafaring family, going before the mast at 15 years of age, and becoming the youngest whale boat steerer in Australia at the age of 17. He worked on several whaling boats in Tasmanian and Australian waters, including the 'Runnymede' and 'Louisa'. In 1925, at the age of 70 he won the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal and certificate for saving a seven year old boy from drowning in the Hobart ferry dock. Robert Cracknell died October 9th, 1945.
Information Sources:
Obituary, Mr. Robert Cracknell. The Mercury, 16 Oct, 1945, viewed via Trove ; ALL55.1.1 Autobiographical reminiscences of Robert Cracknell.
Functions Performed:
Family archives
Series Created By Agency:
ALL55 Robert Cracknell Papers23 Aug 193501 May 1967