A misread signal reporting 43 dead caused unprecedented actions, hospitals sent home all but critical cases and ambulances were prepared. However the signal was actually 4 dead 3 wounded. Refer sources Sydney Mail and NSW Advertiser Wed 13 Jan 1094. MF
Walter died as a result of injuries sustained on 06 January 1904 when a boiler in HMS Wallaroo exploded. The cause of the burn injuries was the escaping high pressure steam. The incident killed another four sailors and was extensively covered in the newspapers. For an account of the coroner's inquest and of Sandow's funeral, see The Australian Star Thursday 14 January 1904 page 6.
Lost in this incident and buried at sea were Stoker Frank Moore, Chief Stoker George Hall, Stoker Charles Ellis & Wilfred Cleal. Stokers Thomas Pretty, Benjamin Atkins survived. Stokers John Kimber & Albert Dorren were also less severely injured. refer Sources and The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)Saturday 9 January 1904 - Page 11
