William Eaton - Accident on the Kestrel

The headstone for William Eaton
in the Soldiers Burial Area
Photo: Kath Kingwood

William Eaton was a carpenter aboard the H.M.S. Philomel, a Man O’ War ship. On the 11th of May 1921 Eaton was going over to the North Shore by the Kestrel ferry steamer when, nearing the Devonport wharf, he fell from the top deck, striking the fender which runs round the vessel and then fell into the water. He was rescued and a boat was launched from the ferry to take him back to his own vessel where he died soon afterwards.

Incidentally the Kestrel ferry steamer was 111 years old when it sunk March 2016 and salvaged a month later. It had been docked at Wynyard Wharf for the previous four years and plans to restore it are still in the pipeline.

Soldiers Burial B, Row 1,

Plot 15: William Eaton (38) 1921 – Sailor

I.H.S.

WILLIAM EATON

Petty Officer.

H.M.S. Philomel. N.Z. Station.

died May 10^th 1921

aged 37.

Sources:
PapersPast Auckland Star 11/5/1921
The Kestrel Preservation Plan  http://www.thekestrel.org.nz/


Presented by Geri Eccles - Discover Waikumete