Welcome Aboard the Australian

A Webb Wagg family day at Berrys Bay, 1903

Have you ever stared at an old photograph and almost heard the chatter beyond the frame? That’s exactly how this image feels to me. The boat you see is the Australian, and the cheerful crowd aboard and ashore are Webb Waggs — perhaps gathering for a day out on Sydney Harbour.

At the heart of it all stands our patriarch, William Webb Wagg — surrounded by his sons, grandchildren, and extended family, marking not just a moment on the water, but a legacy taking shape on the shoreline.

Meet the man on the left

Standing tall at the rail is William Webb Wagg — known variously as Bill Webb, Old Billy, or Grandpa Webb, depending on who was speaking. He’s 76 here, clearly proud to be flanked by so many of his descendants. As the family patriarch, he anchors the scene — a steady presence at the centre of a growing clan.

Who’s sharing the deck?

Grandpa’s four grown sons crowd the cockpit:

  • Charlie (Charles)

  • Hayden (Albert Hayden)

  • Bill (William John)

  • Chris (Christopher Henry)

Chris is at the tiller. Nicknamed “Rowdy” for his calm manner, he won over 100 races in Sydney’s famous 18-footer fleet. In fact, the Australian — the very boat in this photo — was one of his winning skiffs.

Among the adults is young William, son of William John, already learning the ropes of sailing before he’s even out of short pants.

A quick hop to the pier

Just a few steps away stand three more grandchildren:

  • Hayden Albert, son of Hayden

  • Claude William, son of Charlie

  • May — Mabel Zoe Glencora — the oldest granddaughter, daughter of Chris

And no family gathering would be complete without a familiar friend: Halway Harry Anderson, who married Eva Theresa Clancy. Two of Eva’s sisters married Webb Wagg brothers — Amy to Charlie, and Josephine to Hayden.

More than a lazy sail?

Boats weren’t just for pleasure. Charlie captained the vehicular ferry that crossed between Dawes Point and Blues Point, and several Webb Waggs earned their living with Sydney Ferries. So when they stepped aboard the Australian, they were as comfortable as most people are in their own living rooms — perhaps more so.

A snapshot that travelled far

The photo made its way into the keepsake box of Jack Webb Wagg (son of Hayden and Josephine) and even appeared in The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser on 13 May 1903.

Mysteries still bobbing on the tide

  • What was the occasion? A family outing? Preparing for a race? The launch of a new skiff? We don’t yet know.

  • Who was behind the lens? Was the image arranged by the newspaper? The photographer remains unknown.

  • Do companion photos exist? If a similar print lives in your family album, please reach out!

Recognise a face? Recall a tale about the Webb Waggs, the Clancy sisters, or the Australian herself? Drop me a line through the blog’s contact form. Every ripple of information helps keep this story afloat.

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