A Sailors plight.

Jervis Bay, known for its beautiful serenity has had its share of tragic incidents which has resulted in the death of sailors.  

Marked by a headstone, the most well known would be the grave of the 19-year-old sailor Robert Johnson who drowned in Jervis Bay in 1892.  The headstone sits atop the small headland known as Tapalla Point ( sailors by the locals) and is passed every year by hundreds of people walking along the footpath winding its way around the top of the shoreline.

At this time there are two known graves sites in the grounds of the Trinity Church in Huskisson, possibly more.  One was reported to be of King Billy the chief of the Jervis Bay Aboriginal tribe, he died in the 1920's. The other is of Carl Niclasson a sailor off the whaling ship Loc Tay who died under mysterious circumstances.  The graves have disappeared over the years. Quite recently I went looking for the graves, I hunted around the grounds of the church, I spoke to people associated with the church, but no one I spoke to knew where they were located.

Carl Niclasson.
Searching for information on his death I came upon a newspaper article written in the Nowra Leader in 1912., about the death and subsequent burial of Carl Niclasson.

Carl Carl Niclasson, aged 33, a native of Golsburg, Sweden,  was a seaman aboard the whaling factory ship Loch Tay.  in 1912 the whale factory ship Loch Tay and her smaller whale hunting ships were operating from Jervis Bay.

Niclasson was onboard a small motor launch travelling between Huskisson wharf and the Loch Tay.  He had been drinking and was in fine spirits and good health the night before.  Niclasson was sitting down in the launch with two other men when he dropped down from the seat, this didn't alarm anyone on board, thinking he was still under the influence of alcohol.   On reaching the Loch Tay he was carried on board and placed in the room set apart for sailors.   Captain Egeness looked at him and felt for a pulse.  Prior to this Captain Egeness sent the launch to the beach to find the doctor of the ship (Jorg. B. Kolfiaath) who had gone fishing.

On the doctor's return, he examined Niclasson and pronounced him deceased.

Niclasson had been onboard the Loch Tay for six to seven months and was regarded as a good worker, he had never suffered from illness during his time on board, but was known to have a slight "heart disease"The official inquiry was held at Cambourne's Hotel Huskisson on Monday 24 November 1912, before the coroner (Mr C.J.B. Watson).

The first hotel at Huskisson.


The burial.
The body of the deceased was in a wooden shell made on board the Loch Tay, he was interred at a quiet spot close to the church at Huskisson, alongside the grave of a seaman drowned 42 years before. The coffin was draped with the Norwegian colours was borne to the grave by a number of the deceased late comrades. The Church of England burial service was read by the Rev. A. G. Perkins, followed by an impressive Norwegian service, conducted by Captain Egeness.

Dr, Albert Bobart (Government medical officer)  "I have seen the body of the deceased, Carl Niclasson It bears no marks of violence, In my opinion, the cause of death was heart disease."

The church is no longer used and sits on a large open piece of prime real estate which is earmarked for development. This will require the graves to be moved to another location.  I hope they are given a location befitting a sailor.

It was believed Niclasson at the time of his death only had one living relative, a married sister living in Sweden.


Continue reading about the Loch Tay, a factory whaling ship stationed in Jervis Bay.

Continue reading about Robert Johnson.

Continue reading about King Billy and Queen Mary.

The Queen of Jervis Bay.

”You have lived on a long while.” we said.  ‘' Ah, yes, she answered, with a smile.  ‘I suppose my time’ll come”.

Feb 26th 1928 - Mary Golding, known as the Aboriginal Queen of Huskisson was laid to rest in a quiet little burial ground far up Currambene Creek   Mary was at the time the oldest resident in the district,  locals stated her age was between 105 and 108.   She always enjoyed good health right up until the week before she passed away.  Her mental faculties were remarkably clear,  she could relate stories of happenings in the early history of the district.  Her husband shown here was known as King Billy died some years before Mary. Mary had been residing for many years with one of her daughters on the banks of Currambene Creek, Huskisson.  Residents of Huskisson and the police gave her every attention, except for being very thin,  she was a very well-preserved woman. Not long before she died she was photographed and appeared in a pictorial daily, and needless to say,  was greatly pleased. A few days before her death local residents paid a visit to Mary taking with them some tobacco, which they knew would cheer her old heart.  They found her sitting on a rug in the shade of a tree with her dogs about her. In full possession of her senses, she conversed pleasantly, smoking the whole while,  and telling an interesting tale of the district  when there was no residents between Kiama and Nowra. “You have lived on a long while,” we said.'  Ah, yes, she answered, with a smile.” I suppose my time will come”. A few days later Mary became ill and was attended by the Nowra Doctor,  she passed away on the 25th and the funeral took place the next day. A large number of people gathered in the lonely bush setting to pay a last tribute of respect to such an aged Australian.  The service at the graveside was particularly solemn and impressive,  with the shadow of the densely growing trees falling sombre across the grave. So passed Mary Goulding,  may the earth rest lightly on her remains.. Mary was known by other names, Queen Golden, Mary Goulding, Mary Golden and Queen Mary.