In memory of Thomas Lewis (Chief Officer). Born at Liverpool, England, 13th October, 1871. Died at Sydney Hospital 28th June, 1935
Date1935
Object number00054923
NameMemorial Plaque
MediumBronze, ink
DimensionsOverall: 175 × 305 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mission to Seafarers
DescriptionA bronze rectangular memorial plaque in memory of Thomas Lewis.
The engraved text reads ''In memory of Thomas Lewis (Chief Officer). Born at Liverpool, England, 13th October, 1871. Died at Sydney Hospital 28th June, 1935. At evening times it shall be light'.HistoryThe Mission to Seamen began in 1855 after Rev Dr John Ashley led the way by offering support and spiritual care to mariners in Bristol, England. The Anglican Church took up his work throughout the world by establishing Missions to Seaman in ports across the globe, numbering today around 200. Their role was to support mariners spiritually and grew to offer recreation facilities and practical support such as accommodation, legal advice, and transport and communication facilities.SignificanceThis plaque is part of a group from the Mission that range from 1900 to 1943 erected for people and ships lost at sea and people who worked for many years at the mission. They are all wonderful, evocative and poignant memorials, ranging from 'lost at sea through enemy action', 'a faithful friend of seamen', 'died of an accident on the bridge', 'lost overboard aged 21', and 'fell from aloft'. They are important records of a time when lost sailors were grieved for at the mission and the plaques and services stood in for burials that did not occur. They are outstanding examples of maritime related sites of grief, commemoration and memory.
