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DUNBAR: Wrecked near signal station South Head Sydney 20 August 1857: Relics Recovered July 1910

Date1910

Object number00042022

NameMedal

MediumMetal: Silver

Dimensions26 x 23 x 1 mm

ClassificationsCoins and medals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from William Cooper

Terms

DescriptionA medal commemorating the rediscovery of the DUNBAR shipwreck in 1910. The obverse of the medal is inscribed 'WRECKED NEAR SIGNAL STN S HD SYDNEY AUG 20 1857'. The verso of the medal is inscribed 'RELICS RECOVERED JULY 1910' with 'Lorne Pictures' engraved at centre. HistoryIn 1910 the wreck of the DUNBAR was relocated and extensive salvage work carried out between 1910 and 1912. To commemorate the finding of the DUNBAR, the recovery of the relics and the launch of the black and white film 'The Wreck of the Dunbar', the salvors of the vessel issued two versions of DUNBAR commemorative medallions. "In May 1907 Mr Fred Dunn located what he thought to be the two anchors from the DUNBAR. They were lying on the rocks, 10 feet apart with rusty cables attached, and covered with the marine growth of over half a century. The anchors were about 50 yards from the shore, right opposite the spot where Johnson was found huddled in his cave. Here the flat surface of the rock on the cliff had been chipped out to mark the scene of the DUNBAR's end, and it was on this rock that interested onlookers watched the salvage operations...Sometime was occupied in getting right on the spot where the anchors were in 17 feet of water. They were located with the aid of rowing boats and then the tug had to be anchored over them. It would have been a hopeless task for a diver to have had to wade in or climb about the bottom looking for anchors as the rocks below the surface are jagged and precipitous. Knowing this, Diver Anderson, who was specially engaged for the work, made sure they were right over the anchors before he 'went down'. ..Then with a "Goodbye boys; haul when I pull my line', he dropped over the side. The diver expects to recover a quantity of tackle belonging to the DUNBAR and he will keep his eyes open for any other valuables below...The town clerk at Vaucluse, Mr Sautelle, said this afternoon that his council had granted the salvage syndicate permission to exhibit at Watson's Bay the relics recovered. They will probably be stored in a room adjoining the Vaucluse Council Chambers." [Evening News, page 7, Wednesday 6 July 1910.] SignificanceThe wrecking of the DUNBAR off Sydney Heads in 1857 is arguable one of the best known shipwreck events in Australia's maritime history - an event which still resonates today with annual commemorative services at the wreck site and the site of the mass grave of the victims in Camperdown Cemetery. This medallion signifies the revived interest in the DUNBAR wreck in 1910 when the site was relocated and salvage work was carried out.