THE Wynnum Manly Historical Society will resume its popular monthly talks tonight (February 19) with a lively account of early sea rescues and maritime adventures in Moreton Bay by respected local RSL and maritime identity Bruce Pattison.
The first talk for the year follows the society’s Christmas and New Year break and will trace Mr Pattison’s long connection to the Bayside and to marine rescue operations on the bay.
A long-term Wynnum resident, Mr Pattison was called up for National Service soon after finishing school, serving two years as an army seaman on Defence Force small ships in Vietnam and Papua New Guinea.
After his honourable discharge, he returned home to live with his family and joined the Darling Point Sailing Squadron, where he is now a life member and patron.
His maritime story is closely tied to that of his father, Crawford Pattison, who served with the Waterloo Bay Rescue Association — the first organised marine rescue service on Moreton Bay.
Founded in the early 1950s, the association laid the groundwork for modern marine rescue, before Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coast Guard units took over the work in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mr Pattison also joined the early rescue service, serving aboard its primary rescue vessel Dauntless.
Over two decades, he took part in dozens of rescues and marine assists as both crewman and skipper, surviving fierce storms and the Brisbane floods of 1974.
Among his most memorable moments were twice escorting Queen Elizabeth II up the Brisbane River during her visits to Queensland aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
His talk will recount these experiences and will be illustrated with a personal collection of historic photographs and video footage from his time aboard Dauntless.
The Wynnum Manly Historical Society’s February talk will be held in the Wynnum Ambulance Museum Auditorium, at the corner of Tingal Road and Cedar Street, Wynnum.
Proceedings will begin at 6.45pm and conclude around 9pm, with tea and coffee provided.
The evening will also include a raffle, door prize and the society’s customary “bring and buy” table.
Entry is by gold coin donation and visitors are welcome.
