My Great Uncle Eric was killed when crushed by a ferry against the Mortlake pier, apparently after attempting to jump across the gap between the ferry and the pier as the ferry was approaching.

The Sydney Morning Herald, dated Thursday, 5 May, 1927, page 12 reported as follows:
SYDNEY, Wednesday.—
BOY DROWNED.
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CRUSHED BY FERRY.
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GIRL DIVES FOR BODY.
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While endeavouring to board the ferry steamer Kameruka as it was leaving the Mortlake wharf, bound for Sydney about 3 p.m. yesterday, a boy missed his footing and fell between the steamer and the wharf. The boy was identified last night as Eric Webb aged 15, who resided with his parents at Victoria-street, Waverley. The water police dragged for the body which was recovered late in the afternoon.

The boy was engaged selling chocolates on the ferry steamers and at the time of the accident was carrying a tray containing sweets. As he fell he was apparently crushed between the boat and the wharf, and it was found when his body was recovered that he had received extensive injuries.

After he had fallen into the water the boy reappeared for a moment and then sank. Miss Ivy Hornery aged 16 of Hilly-street Mortlake dived into the water from the wharf without hesitation but her meritorious effort to assist the boy was fruitless, as the body had sunk in deep water.

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The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express, dated Friday, 13 May 1927, Page 34 reported as follows:

While endeavouring to board the ferry steamer Kameruka as it was leaving a Mortlake wharf, bound for Sydney, a boy missed his footing and fell between the steamer and the wharf. The boy was identified as Eric Webb, aged 15, who resided with his parents at Victoria-street, Waverley. The water police dragged for the body, which was recovered.

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The Sydney Morning Herald dated Friday, 6 May 1927, page 9 reported as follows:

Family Notices WEBB.— The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. FLORENCE WEBB, of Victoria-street, Waverley are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly loved SON Eric which will take place at the Presbyerian Cemetery Rookwood THIS (Friday) MORNING on arrival of Funeral Train leaving the Mortuary Station at 9.33.

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Eric’s death certificate

This biography was created on Bill Anderson on 29 March 2009 and corrected and updated significantly on Friday, 26 March 2021