101 years ago my grandfather George Cowell was recovering from Spanish flu at a military hospital in England. He was 22. His ship had been on its way to the Western Front when it picked up supplies and the Spanish Flu virus in Sourh Africa.
On his ship Barambah, 800 of the 1000 troops came down with the virus and at least 27 died.
After some months of convalescence in England, he was repatriated to Australia, the war having ended.
He spent some weeks in quarantine at the Quarantine Station, North Head. His story passed down was of the roofless toilet block with the best view of the harbour where he could wave to the ferries passing by.
George went back to Merewether where he married and raised a family. He continued his lifelong involvement with the Merewether Surf Club until his death at age 63.
His son David, my dad, is currently currently recovering from Pneumonia in Royal North Shore Hospital. Having spent 1 day in the COVID ward, I am happy to report he tested negative and was transferred.
As we approach ANZAC Day this week, we should remember the 62,000 Australians who died in World War 1. Perhaps we should also think about the 15,000 Australians who died from the Spanish Flu in the wake of this War.
Read more about the Spanish Flu pandemic that infected 40% of Australians here. Things don’t change much in 101 years.
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/influenza-pandemic
Keep safe and keep your distance.
Simon
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).
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BOTB
We encourage everyone to swim at different times and not in groups – we want people to be active and enjoy access but cannot support or endorse group swimming until the government advice changes.
Please come at staggered times. Avoid using the ramp instead access the beach north of the club house.
Something to watch:
A Kiwi film-maker and outdoor swimmer based in London, Patrick McLennan, thought B&B swimmers might be interested in watching his film, The Ponds, about the all year-round swimmers of Hampstead Heath, London. We are sure it will resonate with many of our swimmers and is a nice feel good story of healthy, well-being and passion for the cold water buzz, a nice light relief movie to enjoy at this time…
Here’s the trailer: https://vimeo.com/406188620
Rent it here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/theponds
15 comments
Jac
April 20, 2020 at 11:20 am
When did your dad go into hospital Simon? He looks familiar! Hope he’s recovering well! What an interesting story about your grandfather.
DWSS
April 20, 2020 at 11:25 am
Great Blog Simon
Thank you for taking the time.
Great to hear your Dad has pneumonia.
It is weird times when we can rejoice about something like that.
I hope he is back on his feet soon.
Simon Cowell
April 20, 2020 at 11:44 am
Jac
Dad came to AE 5am last Thursday. He’s now
in ward 9E hoping for discharge soon.
Simon F Cowell
Mobile – +61404805413
Sent from my iPhone
JeffwithaJ
April 20, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Hi Simon. I enjoyed your look at history, thank you. I wish your Dad all the best in his recovery.
lesbubs
April 20, 2020 at 2:41 pm
aww that was a great story Simon! so much more to history than we ever hear about…
And such a cute photo of your dad as a kid!
Rosemary rogge
April 20, 2020 at 3:46 pm
Thanks for sharing that lovely story Simon and glad Dad is ok.
junissima27@gmail.com
April 20, 2020 at 4:16 pm
A very good story to read on a cloudy Sydney day – I enjoyed it very much. Thanks Simon!
Rosemary
April 20, 2020 at 5:12 pm
I wanted more…thank you Simon! No doubt there is a lot more story to tell.
LSA aka HKTQ
April 20, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Great story and lovely pic of your parents. Best wishes for David!
Thx for the link to the Ponds trailer too.
Juliette
April 20, 2020 at 7:48 pm
Thank you Simon – a great blog!
Edwina harrison
April 20, 2020 at 7:54 pm
That’s a fascinating story , thank you 🥰 glad he was clear of covid 🙏
RichardL
April 20, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Thanks for sharing Simon I think it is great how you have shared some relevant family history!
Terry
April 20, 2020 at 11:06 pm
Great blog Simon
Jac
April 21, 2020 at 7:03 am
Yeah I thought he looked familiar! Hope he’s recovering well!
JohnB
April 21, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Thanks for posting that personal story Simon. Portrays a kind of “irony” or “deja vu”, doesn’t it?