Papers and photographs relating to the naval service of Leading Seaman Wilfred William Boshier, RN, RAN
Date1912 - 1945
Object numberANMS0197
NameArchive series
MediumPaper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Peter Myers
DescriptionThis archive series includes certificates of service, a history sheet and trade certificate for Royal Australian Navy diver, a scroll to commemorate Boshier's service in WWII, a letter of recommendation as to his abilities as a diver, photographs and a 1916 diving manual.HistoryBorn on 29 April 1896 in Reading, Berkshire, England Wilfred William Boshier joined the Royal Navy on 29 April 1914. He was on loan to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from December 1920, transferred to the RAN in March 1922 and qualified as a diver in April 1923. He was 5' 7" tall with dark hair and brown eyes; and had a tattoo of the Prince of Wales feathers on his right forearm. Boshier was wounded in action in World War II in October 1944. He died on 19 June 1947.
Leading Seaman Boshier served in the following RAN establishments and ships: CERBERUS, PLATYPUS, ALBATROSS, MELBOURNE, MALLOW, SYDNEY, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE, PERTH, and BUNGAREE.
This archive series comprises the following:
certificate of service in the Royal Navy 21/08/1912 - 26/03/1922; certificate of service in the Royal Australian Navy 22/03/1922 - 12/12/1945; certificates for wounds and hurts, Royal Australian Navy dated 20 March 1940 and 21 October 1944; torpedo history 30/03/1915 - 28/10/1944; history sheet and trade certificate for Royal Australian Navy diver 10/04/1923 - 19/04/1944;
Presentation scroll for service in WWII;
Letter of recommendation from William Waugh Limited re Boshier's abilities as a diver, dated 13 May 1925;
Silver gelatin photographs of the HMAS SYDNEY Champion Racing Cutters Crew - Winners of the Sydney - Emden Cup in 1924-1925; and of Leading Seaman W W Boshier and crew mates [Boshier is in the back row, left hand side]; and
an Admiralty Diving Manual, 1916.
SignificanceThis small collection chronicles Boshier's service with two navies; his advancement and training to become a naval diver; and his service with the Royal Australian Navy in World War II.
Archive Series (item)/Archive Item (series)
