Charles Victor Rhodes

I mate atu i te 23 Oct 1915

Nama Hōia: WWI 3/622 AWMM
Ingoa kārangaranga: —
Te Ope o Tū / te peka: Army AWMM
Te tūnga whakamutunga: WW1 Private AWMM New Zealand Medical Corps AWMM
Pakanga: World War I, 1914-1918 AWMM

Charles Victor Rhodes — Portrait, Auckland Weekly News 1915 - No known copyright restrictions No Known Copyright Restrictions

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Kōrero taurongo

Charles Rhodes was the son of Mr A. Rhodes, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand.

He was with No. 1 Stationary Hospital moving from Egypt to Salonika, and one of twenty nine crew and 182 troops lost on the torpedoed Marquette 23 October 1915

Marama then transfer to Moldavia for Suez. Ship name "Marama" from The Evening Post, May 23, 1915 listing the nurses and officers on the passenger list. Transfer to Moldavia. A letter to the informant for this Cenotaph record writing about the handwritten text on the postcard showing parcels being off loaded. "The text, originally written in pencil on the back of the postcard, is also included. I have no information about who the writer was, but presume it was given or sent to my grandmother Mabel Langley (nee Rhodes), Victor's older sister.' I presume the gifts are being received at Port Said where the 1st New Zealand Stationary Hospital was situated prior the attempted move to Salonika. Victor's service record shows that he 'rejoined' the unit at Port Said, from New Zealand on 2/8/1915 and embarked on the "Marquette" at Alexandria on 19 September 1915, just four days before he was lost in the torpedoing of the transport. " He also adds that a portion of the photo showing the Matron and sister was used on the cover of the order of service for "The Marquette Memorial Service for Nurses', on 28 October 2001. The service was held at the Hall of Memories, National War Memorial , Buckle Street, Wellington, and arranged on the Centenary of Nursing Registration in New Zealand. H.M.Transport S.S. Marquette under command of Captain John Bell Findlay left Alexandria Harbour, Egypt in the late afternoon on October 19 1915 for Salonica, Greece. H.M.T.S.S. Marquette was struck by a torpedo on the forward starboard side on the 23 October 1915 (Saturday).She sank in thirty minutes.Total loss of life was 167.She was a legitimate target carrying 22 officers and 588 other ranks of the 29th Division Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery with its vehicles and animals, and staff (8 officers, 9 NCO's, 77 other ranks of the NZMC), equipment and stores of the No. 1 New Zealand Stationary Hospital including the thirty-six nurses of the NZANS as well as the HT Marquette crew (95). A total of 741. She was also loaded with ammunition and 541 animals including many horses and mules. She was torpedoed off Platanona Point, 30 to 36 miles (57.5 kilometres), south from the anti-submarine net at Salonica Bay, which would have meant safety, by the U.35 under Lt-Cdr Waldemar Kophamel.[Wartime Disasters at Sea by David Williams]. The Marquette, official number 106972, was a 7,057 gross ton ship, length 486.5ft x beam 52.3ft, x31.3ft, one funnel, four masts, single screw, triple-expansion engines, 770 NHp and a speed of 14 knots. There was accommodation for 120-1st class passengers. Built in 1897 by A. Stephen & Sons Ltd, Glasgow as the Boadicea for Wilson's and Furness-Leyland Line, she was launched on 25th Nov.1897. She was then sold to the Atlantic Transport Line in 1898.On 15th Sep.1898 she was renamed. Chartered to the Red Star Line with accommodation for 120-2nd class passengers.She was then employed as a British war transport and painted grey. [North Atlantic Seaway by N.R.P.Bonsor, vol.3, p.1090]

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Charles Victor Rhodes – 1885-1915

Vic as he was normally called was born in Auckland, the 2nd child of Alfred and Esther Rhodes. He went to school in Beresford Street and attended the Tabernacle School attached to the Baptist Tabernacle. With his friend William Robinson, he was involved with the New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the West End Rowing club. He was apprenticed to Mr F J Cooper in Auckland and trained as a chemist. After training he served with chemists in Wellington and Wanganui.

On his enlistment his next of kin was his father, Mr Alfred Rhodes living at Seymore Street in Ponsonby. After his death the notice in the paper was inserted by his loving, sorrowing mother on behalf of his sisters and brothers. Their home address was No 1 Dominion Road, Devonport.

As a chemist he was attached to the Medical Corps. On 23 October 1915, the troop ship “Marquette” with crew, troops, animals and supplies on board was sailing in the Aegean Sea when it was hit by a torpedo. A total of 167 people lost their lives. Vic and friend William were among the casualties.

Above biography was transcribed, researched and written by Margaret Nash of Panmure Branch of NZSG

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Next of Kin: Mrs E. Rhodes, John St, Auckland (Roll of Honour, Auckland Province 1914-1918 (Volume 2)) AWMM

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Charles Victor Rhodes