A manuscript notebook compiled by master mariner George Archibald Craike

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A manuscript notebook compiled by master mariner George Archibald Craike

Author George Archibald Craike

Date1902-1930

Object number00045357

NameNotebook

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 200 x 125 mm, 393.48 g

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Craike family

Terms

DescriptionA manuscript notebook compiled by Master Mariner George Archibald Craike, from 1902 to the 1930s. The book records tables of information used for navigation and ship management relevant to the coasts and ports of Australia, as well as cuttings from various printed sources.HistoryGeorge Archibald Craike was born in Liverpool, England 23 August 1875 to William and Margaret Craike. According to Craike family history, George's father died when he was two years old and he did not get on with his stepfather. George ran away to sea when he was 14 years old. His first recorded entry into Australia was 15 July 1897. He earned his First Mate's certificate in Sydney on 9 July, 1900, his Master's certificate 25 July 1902 and the Pilotage Exemption Certificate on 23 May 1906. After settling in Australia, most of his voyages were around the islands to the north and northeast of Australia. In 1919 he was recorded as Master of Howard Smith's SS MOURILYAN, serving the Queensland coastal trade. George served in both World Wars as a member of the Merchant Navy and according to family history was on the HMAS SYDNEY when it sank the German ship EMDEN. He was authorised to wear the British Mercantile Marine Medal and Riband for World War I, and the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star and War Medal for service in World War II. George married Jessie Beatrice Thomas in Sydney in 1902 and died 22 March 1953 leaving three sons, George, Frederick and Walter. SignificanceThis notebook is an excellent record of the daily life and work of a Master Mariner in the Australian coastal trade in the early twentieth century.