Frank Fenton SS Katoomba 1918-19

[Jeffrey Fenton]

I am searching for any information about my grandfather Frank Fenton dob 15 July 1900. He sailed Oct 1st 1918 from Liverpool on the SS Katoomba - an Australian Navy Fleet Auxiliary ex cruiser converted to a troopship that sailed to the Eastern Mediterranean and shuttled thousands of troops to and from Salonica, Constantinople, Batoum, the Black Sea ports, Suez Canal, Port Said, Bombay, Dardinelles etc returning to England in May 1919. He was a Wireless Operator (or Radio Telegraphist) with the rank of Sub Lieutenant and had friends on board called Yates and Phillips. I have some photographs he took. Afterwards he sailed round the world on HMS Winchester calling at New Zealand, Panama Canal, East Coast of USA etc.
I don't know why he joined the Navy, why an Australian ship, or how long he was in for (although he'd left and married my grandmother by 1924) but I have his journal from the Katoomba voyage which is absolutely fascinating. I'm in the process of transcribing it (as its becoming very faded) but happy to share a copy if anyone is interested.
If anyone has any relatives who may have known of or been aboard either of these voyages please let me know at fenton-5_@tiscali.co.uk
Thanks Jeff Fenton of Chorley, Lancs

[Richard Quartermaine]

Jeff, The Katoomba RSL Club Had a picture of the SS Katoomba on display a couple of years ago and may have other records. Their website is Katoomba RSL - Home
If you care to my website Queensland Insurance Company Oldies you will see on the opening Home page a link to Flotilla Australia under a Merchant Navy heading. The particular SS Katoomba is listed under McIlwraith McEacharn Ltd.
Should you need more assistance at this end let me know and I will do what I can.
Good Luck, Richard Quartermaine, Katoomba NSW.

[gray_marian]

#1, May be your Frank?

Name: Frank Fenton
Arrival Date: 7 Jul 1919
Birth Date: abt 1901
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality: English
Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Ship Name: City of Winchester
Rank: Looks like R/D Wireless - 93300

There is also a family tree on Ancestry.com with extended details [census etc] of Frank belonging to Geoff Coxon can forward an introduction or copy if you prefer. Marian

[Hugh]

Hello Jeff and welcome,
I have his CR10 card - it gives very little detail but it does have his discharge number and a nice id photo. If you don't already have it maybe you could pm your email address and I can send it on.

Regards
Hugh

[Doc Vernon]

Hello Hugh
I notice that Frank has his Email showing on that post of his!
Cheers

[Hugh]

Hi Vernon,
Thanks, I never noticed it. I have sent the card on.

Regards
Hugh