Template:Featured article/April 2013

Captain James E Williams

Captain James E Williams, commander of the steamer Chingtu,at the time of his death, had been in the service of the China Navigation Company for upwards of 25 years and was the commodore of the fleet. For nearly 20 years he was engaged in the trade between China and Australia, first as master of the Whampoa in 1883, then of Changsha, and eventually as commander of the Chingtu, to which vessel he was transferred about six years before his death. Captain Williams was regarded as an extremely capable and careful navigator, and during his lengthy connection with the China Navigation Company never had an accident of a serious character. He was popular with the shipping community and the travelling public. Captain Williams died on board his vessel at sea, and upon the arrival of the Chingtu at Townsville was buried at Brampton Island. Click here for more...