Sherman
Maker and Role
Photographer: Tyree Studio (estab. 1882, closed 1947)
Photo Collection Reference Number
87809
Description
Copy of a photograph of an older man, a woman, and a younger man in sailor's uniform. "Philomel" is on his hat.
See full details
Object detail
Object Type
Media and Materials
Collection
Maker
Public comments
Correction to spelling of Family/surname : Should read HELLYER. Able Seaman Frederick William HELLYER : Born January 3 1879 at Christchurch. Died November 23 1926.
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 5 years ago.
Most probably: (Standing rear) Able Seaman Frederick W. Hillyer. Service # NZ1208; Able Seaman; HMS 'Philomel'; Royal Navy. Born (most probably) - at Riwaka, Nelson. Son of Mrs Sherman - of Riwaka. Also saw war service in South Africa & Zulu Wars (1900). Prior to enlistment for war service Frederick Hillyer was employed as a Seaman - aboard coastal ships that worked around the coast of New Zealand. On 4 August 1914 Frederick Hillyer joined HMS 'Philomel' - at Wellington, New Zealand. HMS 'Philomel' was a Pearl Class Cruiser of the Royal Navy - and later the Royal New Zealand Navy. In 1914 Able Seaman Frederick Hillyer served aboard HMS 'Philomel' - as she acted as an escort ship for the convoy of ships carrying New Zealand troops of the Advanced Samoa party. In 1915 he served aboard HMS 'Philomel' in the Red Sea and Egypt areas - including war action at Perim (Red Sea) - 1915; Mocha (Yemen) 1915; Tor (Egypt) 1915. Able Seaman Hillyer was wounded by a Turkish sniper on 3 June 1915 - whilst part of a 72 man HMS 'Philomel' landing party at Johan's Castle ( a Fort occupied by Turkish forces) - about 30-40 miles along the coast from Port Said, Egypt. Upon reaching the beach Able Seaman Hillyer was shot in the shin by a Turkish sniper; he continued up the beach but was shot again, by a Turkish sniper, this time in the thigh. Whilst on the ground he continued firing his rifle, whilst another wounded New Zealand sailor re-loaded Able Seaman Hillyer's rifle. Able Seaman Hillyer was medically evacuated to hospital at Egypt - and then to England. Upon discharge from hospital at England he was returning to New Zealand when he met a young woman on a train at London - who was travelling to Australia. Able Seaman Hillyer travelled with the young woman to Sydney, Australia - where they later married. Able Seaman Hillyer returned to Riwaka, Nelson District, and he was discharged from the Royal Navy because of the wounds received in action - on 3 June 1915 - at Egypt. For Able Seaman Frederick W. Hillyer's full military record refer to New Zealand Online Cenotaph : www.aucklandmuseum.com
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 7 years ago.