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South Africa / Re: Looking for 2 lost ships 1826 & 1829
« on: Sunday 29 April 18 12:40 BST (UK) »
Hi,
I am a direct descendant of John McKenzie Johnson and would like to clarify the story of the Harmony as per my own research at the Knysna Museum with the kind hjelp of the most well informed curator although I am sorry to say that I do not remember her name.
He was Port Master under the employ of the Royal Navy and indeed the Port was his responsibility and there was an investigation after the fact in which not only did they find that he had forewarned of insufficient manning and equipment and that he had insisted that they provide a budget for the necessary improvements urgently, they also gave him a commendation for the heroic rescue of every soul aboard the Harmony with only a row boat and a coxwain.
I see that you made reference to Mr. Rex and this is nice confirmation of what we infered: among the passengers was none other than George Rex, the founder of Knysna's commercial forestry and a most notable figure in the history of the famous little town. So in fact John McKenzie was a hero who went on to have a distinguished career.
I believe that the ship herself still lies on the sand in the center of the beguiling tranquility of the Knysna heads (there is definitely a wreck there but I am not 100 percent sure it is the Harmony). Having lived there for many years I can say with absolute certainty that it is well worth the trip to see for yourself.
Keep Well
Carl Johnson
I am a direct descendant of John McKenzie Johnson and would like to clarify the story of the Harmony as per my own research at the Knysna Museum with the kind hjelp of the most well informed curator although I am sorry to say that I do not remember her name.
He was Port Master under the employ of the Royal Navy and indeed the Port was his responsibility and there was an investigation after the fact in which not only did they find that he had forewarned of insufficient manning and equipment and that he had insisted that they provide a budget for the necessary improvements urgently, they also gave him a commendation for the heroic rescue of every soul aboard the Harmony with only a row boat and a coxwain.
I see that you made reference to Mr. Rex and this is nice confirmation of what we infered: among the passengers was none other than George Rex, the founder of Knysna's commercial forestry and a most notable figure in the history of the famous little town. So in fact John McKenzie was a hero who went on to have a distinguished career.
I believe that the ship herself still lies on the sand in the center of the beguiling tranquility of the Knysna heads (there is definitely a wreck there but I am not 100 percent sure it is the Harmony). Having lived there for many years I can say with absolute certainty that it is well worth the trip to see for yourself.
Keep Well
Carl Johnson